The iconic T. rex fossil dominates the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs in New York’s American Museum of Natural History.

T-REX

The iconic T. rex fossil dominates the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs in New York’s American Museum of Natural History.

Photo by: Denis Finnin/©American Museum of Natural History

Denis Finnin/©American Museum of Natural History

Day (or Night) at The Museum

Take a private tour of NYC’s American Museum of Natural History from home!

April 02, 2020

Have you ever imagined having a museum all to yourself, just like in the movie starring Ben Stiller? Well, maybe not quite that exact experience. The American Museum of Natural History has been bringing arts, culture, and education to the public since 1869. Though its doors are currently closed, you can still visit the amazing exhibits from the comfort of your own home.

The Hall of Biodiversity in the American Museum of Natural History features 1,500 specimens representing the amazing diversity of life on Earth.

Hall of Biodiversity with a quick view into Hall of Ocean Life

The Hall of Biodiversity in the American Museum of Natural History features 1,500 specimens representing the amazing diversity of life on Earth.

Photo by: Denis Finnin//© American Museum of Natural History

Denis Finnin//© American Museum of Natural History

The Hall of Biodiversity in the American Museum of Natural History features 1,500 specimens representing the amazing diversity of life on Earth.

The museum offers virtual tours, live learning, and countless resources for kids and families of all ages.

Mark your calendars! This Thursday at 2P ET on the American Museum of Natural History Facebook page, there will be a Facebook Live event that features a pre-recorded tour of the Hall of Human Origins guided by paleoanthropologist Ashley Hammond. Get a special tour of this popular exhibition hall and hear about early human relatives, including Lucy, the most famous Australopithecus afarensis—and why she took the world by storm when she was discovered in 1974.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 PM EST, you can hop on a Live Virtual Museum Tour with a museum tour guide or expert to explore a featured exhibit via Facebook Live. Missed Tuesday’s Hall of Planet Earth Tour on Tuesday? You can go back and check out the previous tours posted to Facebook earlier.

Looking to get out of this world? On Friday, April 3rd, head over to the museum’s YouTube channel to catch a live guided tour of the universe with Director of Astrovisualization, Carter Emmart.

The 94-foot-long blue whale model floating above the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History weighs 21,000 pounds.

Hall of Ocean Life, Blue Whale

The 94-foot-long blue whale model floating above the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History weighs 21,000 pounds.

Photo by: Craig Chesek/© American Museum of Natural History

Craig Chesek/© American Museum of Natural History

The 94-foot-long blue whale model floating above the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History weighs 21,000 pounds.

Want to wander around the halls on your own? Google Arts and Culture allows you to do just that. From the 94-foot-long model of a Blue Whale in the Hall of Ocean Life to the Tyrannosaurus rex fossil in the Hall of Saurischian Dinosaurs, you have the place to yourself to explore! Take in the 360 degree views of these magnificent animals and learn more about the exhibits themselves.

While home-school can get challenging, additional materials for students and families are available to help out. With activities, articles, Khan Academy classes, and more from the museum, there is no shortage of fueling your kids’ curiosity about the natural world.

Go ahead and start your adventure.

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