"Truly one of the world's great natural history museums, the American Museum of Natural History spans four city blocks just across from Central Park. All aspects of the natural world are represented here, from a vast collection of taxidermy mammals, to depictions of the life of Native American tribes, to an entire hall dedicated to marine life—including a life-size model of a blue whale. The crown jewel is the dinosaur floor, with an imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton that dominates the room. The newest attraction comes in the form of the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, which opened in May of 2023 and, among many other things, boasts a comprehensive insectarium and vivarium. Breathtaking architecture from New York-based Jeanne Gang doesn't hurt, either—the cavernous lobby brings to mind the underground fortresses of Dune, and are thoughtfully designed so that there are no dead ends. Just as with knowledge itself, the possibilities here are endless." - Charlie Hobbs, Alex Erdekian, Melissa Liebling-Goldberg
