American Museum of Natural History Entrance fee

Park 79 Hotel literally shares a corner of New York City with the American Museum of Natural History: Columbus Avenue and West 79thStreet. Is this amazing? Just ask our guests! It’s always a good-news item they share online…and with friends back home. This amazing institution lures the world’s visitors—all ages, all languages. The best news: It IS marvelous!

is well worth a look. The word-for-the-wise: Plan ahead! Bringing little kids and teenagers—don’t feel you must see everything, unless there’ll be a second visit. Here are some recommended steps:

Personal research:

for fascinating background information.

Entrances: Four (4) entry points: 81st Street B, C subway station (lowest level); Central Park West (main iconic entrance); West 81st Street & Central Park West (Planetarium), Columbus Avenue & West 79th Street (park-Planetarium).

Entry: The museum asks/suggests a set entry fee per person. This is NOT a mandatory amount, it’s suggested. Decide what you can afford. Each special exhibit does carry a set fee and must be paid. Entry includes the planetarium visit as well. There are wonderful public tours to choose from, and these are highly recommended.

Eat/Dine: The cafeteria is ALWAYS busy! Way downstairs. Lots of choices. Also remember, Columbus Avenue is a dining festival—one restaurant after another, all prices, good stuff for kids, indoor and out. Shake Shack is almost always crazy-crowded. On Sundays, GreenFlea on 77th Street has wonderful food purveyors, and the weekly farmers market along the museum on Columbus Avenue is ideal for healthful, fresh foods. Only two-of-you? Caffe Storrico at the New York Historical Society on West 77th Street is kind of nice. And…lots of street-food vendors.