American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is a landmark institution founded in 1869, known for its dinosaur fossils, immersive dioramas, and the Hayden Planetarium, drawing large crowds year round. Situated along Central Park West within Theodore Roosevelt Park, it sits in a residential and park-filled area where traffic on Central Park West, Columbus Avenue, and the 79th Street crosstown route is consistently busy.

Street parking nearby is limited and highly competitive, with metered spaces, loading zones, bike lanes, and Alternate Side Parking rules that require careful attention to posted signs. Planning ahead and reserving parking near American Museum of Natural History helps avoid circling, saves time, and makes visits smoother, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons. Always review current city regulations and the museum’s official guidance before you go to ensure you have the most up to date information.