Natural History
Natural history museums document biological, geological, and palaeontological history — among the most accessible and family-friendly museums worldwide.
3 museums in this category
Visiting tip
Ideal for families. Visit weekday mornings to avoid school-group crowds.
Leading institutions
All natural history
New York City, United States
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) on Central Park West is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, founded in 1869 and now encompassing 25 interconnected buildings across four city blocks. Its collections exceed 34 million specimens and cultural artifacts — among the largest holdings of any natural history museum on Earth.
London, United Kingdom
Natural History Museum
Alfred Waterhouse's Romanesque-revival building opened in 1881 to display the natural-history collections that had outgrown the British Museum. The terracotta facade is decorated with sculptures of living and extinct species.
FreeWashington D.C., United States
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Opened in 1910 on the National Mall, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting over 4 million visitors a year. Its collection of 145 million specimens spans geology, mineralogy, biology, anthropology, and paleontology.
FreeCommon questions
What is a natural history?
Natural history museums document biological, geological, and palaeontological history — among the most accessible and family-friendly museums worldwide.
Which natural history should I visit first?
Ideal for families. Visit weekday mornings to avoid school-group crowds. Our guides cover 3 natural history on World Museum Guide.
How many natural history are in the directory?
World Museum Guide lists 3 natural history across 48 countries — with admission, hours, masterworks, and visit routes.