Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
American
Museum
of
Natural
History
Few city children grow up without visiting the dinosaurs, the life-
size dioramas of animal life, and other natural wonders in this pop-
ular museum patronized by over 5 million people each year. Since its
founding in 1869, the museum has grown to 46 permanent exhibition
halls spanning 4 city blocks, these are spread between 25 connected
buildings. Holdings include 32 million specimens and cultural arti-
facts, many unique in the world. Newer exhibition areas such as the
Hall of Biodiversity, the Fossil Halls, and the
Rose Center
,
bring con-
stantly updated research to visitors through multimedia installations.
Top 10 Exhibits
Dinosaurs and Fossils
The best-known hallmark of the museum, the collection of dinosaur fossils is the
world's largest. The giant Barosaurus in the rotunda is the highest free-standing ex-
hibit.
Mammals
Dramaticdioramasoflifesizeanimalsaredividedbycontinentandshowninaccurate
natural habitats. The wildlife ranges from colossal African elephants to endangered
Asian species such as lions and leopards.
