With exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to futuristic space shows, the American Museum of Natural History in New York is a “must-see” for curious minds and wild imaginations. It is located in the Upper West Side.You can spend hours, even days, inside the museum. And if you’re planning a visit to New York City this winter, two particular exhibits will make your trip especially memorable. Check out the state-of-the-art Polar Rink and mind-bending digitally animated music show, SonicVision.
For the first time in it’s 140-year history, museum-goers can enjoy outdoor skating! The Polar Rink, open through March 1st, is made from a recyclable synthetic surface and features a twinkling 17-foot model polar bear at its center. Glide around the eco-friendly rink and be awed by the amazing views of the Rose Center for Earth and Space. If you’re not much of a skating buff, you can simply watch the action from the museum’s glassed-in North Galleria, where winter treats are available for purchase.
While the main museum may close at 5:45 pm, the skating rink is open until 8:00 on weeknights and 10:00 on weekends. You’ll want to stick around too for the computer-generated musical and visual experience that is SonicVision.
The state-of-the-art show is presented in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and 8:30 pm (through the end of April). Watch as digital imagery morphs in synch with a soundtrack mixed by Moby, including tunes from Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Prodigy, and more. The show can be a little disorienting at first but you’ll quickly get lost in the wild visuals and find yourself staring, mouth agape, at the spectacle.
This cozy alcove studio Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-14320), located just steps from Central Park.
This charming 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-7917), located on the 3rd floor of a brownstone building walk-up. The apartment features a well-outfitted kitchen, southern exposure and hardwood floors.
This luxe 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-14209) is only a short bit away from Central Park.
Have you ever been to the Museum of Natural History? What’s your favorite exhibit? Please share your experience with us.
The Museum of Natural History is definitely one of my favorite museums in New York City. It has such a diverse array of things to offer and is fun for all ages. I really like the idea of making history fun for children and making them want to learn more about history. I could spend many days in there!
The Museum of Natural History is a great museum. I went there with my family when we went to New York City in 2002. I remember the apartment that we rented with New York Habitat and we all loved it. It was actually very close to the Museum. It was on Columbus, and also very close to Central Park. I am contemplating using New York Habitat to rent out an apartment with some of my friends this year for our Spring Break, so hopefully we are able to. I love New York!
I never been to the Natural History Museum but I have been to the MOMA what a great museum!! Paintings and sculptures I had free tickets to go but even if you have to pay for it it’s worth it!!!!
This site is great! I cannot believe I have never heard of New York Habitat until now. I go to New York almost every year and would much rather stay in apartment than in a hotel or on a friend’s couch!
My parents took me to the Museum of Natural History when I was 12 and I loved it. I have never been back there since…the memories are just too great and I don’t want to ruin them…But maybe I will find someone to go with me this time!
I just love the Museum of Natural History! It is one of the best museums in New York, the Rose center is absolutely beautiful even from the outside. I’ve never been ice skating before there, but it seems like a lot of fun, almost like Bryant Park but better. Also its worth checking out the rest of the Upper West Side while you’re there. Lots of great food and shops.
It’s been years since’I have visited the Museum of Natural History, but after reading this blog I’m definitely want to check some of the new exhibits and I can’t wait to test the new skating rink.
I went to the Natural History museum with my kids and I loved it !! They were really fascinated by the dinosaurs and the prehistorical animals and lifestyles…..