Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Gilder Center, a new and large addition to the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), offers a comprehensive and inspiring science experience. It stands out for its highly immersive 15-minute Planetarium show, the unique opportunity to touch real artifacts (unlike many museums), and a wide array of interactive exhibits that aim to make complex scientific concepts accessible and fun. With dedicated sections for insects and gemstones, it's designed to captivate visitors of all ages, providing enough content for a full day of exploration.
Key Highlights
- ✓Highly recommended and immersive 15-minute Planetarium show, "Beyond World," explaining the solar system and Earth's development.
- ✓Unique opportunity to touch real artifacts, differentiating it from traditional museums.
- ✓Interactive exhibits designed for experimentation and exploration, covering topics from outer space to the human body.
- ✓Dedicated and impressive sections for insects and gemstones, recommended for extended viewing.
- ✓Knowledgeable and passionate staff/educators who enhance the learning experience.
- ✓Some special interactive exhibits (requiring separate tickets) are considered "well worth it" by some visitors.
Standout Features
- ⭐Integrated as part of the larger American Museum of Natural History, offering combined access.
- ⭐The "Beyond World" Planetarium show is a standout immersive experience.
- ⭐Unique 'touchable artifacts' displays.
- ⭐Fresh, new facility boasting impressive architecture.
- ⭐Extensive exhibits covering diverse scientific topics including outer space, human body, insects, and gemstones.
- ⭐Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff contributing to an enriching visit.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Allocate Ample Time:** Plan for at least 3-4 hours to explore approximately 85% of the Gilder Center, and potentially a full day if combining with the AMNH.
- →**Book Online:** It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to save time and avoid potential queues upon arrival.
- →**Research Extra Exhibits:** Be aware that some 'special interactive exhibits' require an additional, separate ticket. Research specific exhibits to decide if their content aligns with your family's interests and value expectations, as opinions on their worth can vary (some are highly recommended, others less so for interactivity).
- →**Part of AMNH:** Understand that the Gilder Center is an integrated extension of the American Museum of Natural History, and general admission often provides access to both.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Some general exhibits may lack the desired level of interactivity for visitors expecting a fully hands-on experience.
- ⚠An extra-paid exhibit (e.g., "Invisible World") was described by one reviewer as not interactive or unique enough for its additional cost.
Price & Value
For non-NYC residents, the base ticket price is $30 per person. General admission appears to include access to the Planetarium show ("Beyond World") and the broader American Museum of Natural History, offering significant combined value. However, certain "special interactive exhibits" require an additional, separate ticket. While some reviewers found these extra-cost exhibits "well worth it," others (e.g., for the "Invisible World") felt they lacked sufficient interactivity or uniqueness to justify the added expense. Parents should budget for these potential hidden costs and research specific extra exhibits to determine if they align with their family's priorities.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific information regarding accessibility for special needs was mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No specific information regarding food and drink rules was mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •No specific information regarding parking availability or costs was mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The center is described as "humongous," suggesting it has a large capacity for visitors.
- •Online booking is recommended to "save time on queueing," indicating that lines for ticket purchase or entry can form, though no specific peak times were identified.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific information regarding safety measures or features was mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary expectation is *only* high-intensity, physical interaction (e.g., playground-style science activities), as some general exhibits might be more observational than hands-on.
- • If you are on a very strict budget for extra exhibits, as the perceived value of these can vary, and some may not feel sufficiently interactive for the added cost.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Audrey Maciel
a month agothis is a very big museum with a lot of exhibits! it definitely took me around 3-4 hours tô get done with 85% of the museum. So, you should go with a lot of time on ur hand. I do wish there was more interactive things within the museum. I payed extra for the invisible world and it was cool but like I said, I wish it was more interactive and unique. Especially for the price.
Jagadeesh Rahul
2 months agoI love science and astronomy physics and this place was fun for me to learn a lot about space. Their planetarium show “beyond world” is super good and immersive. I would definitely recommend people to attend this 15 min show that showcases how our solar systems works and why earth flourished among the harsh planets around us. Their display of artifacts were real and we get to touch them uncle most museums where they are kept behind glass boxes. I enjoyed this place and will definitely recommend ppl to bring their kids to get inspired.
Kimberly Lim Legaspi
8 months agoExploring the science center at this museum is a truly awe-inspiring experience that captivates visitors of all ages with its interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging displays. From budding young scientists to seasoned enthusiasts, there is something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in this dynamic and educational space. One of the highlights of the science center is its commitment to making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for visitors. Through interactive exhibits that encourage experimentation and exploration, guests are able to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world, from the mysteries of outer space to the marvels of the human body. The hands-on activities available at the science center provide a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with scientific principles in a tangible and memorable way. There is no shortage of opportunities to ignite curiosity and spark creativity. In addition to its interactive exhibits, the science center also features knowledgeable staff and educators who are passionate about sharing their love of science with visitors. Their enthusiasm and expertise enhance the overall experience, turning a visit to the museum into a truly enriching and inspiring journey through the wonders of the natural world. Overall, the science center at this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Its engaging exhibits, hands-on activities, and knowledgeable staff make it a standout attraction that promises to educate, entertain, and inspire all who step through its doors.
Michael Wu PhD
8 months agoWe didn't know this is part of the American Museum of Natural History. So we were pleasantly surprised when we got the ticket for Gilder Center, and was able to see the Planetarium as well as the Museum of Natural History after we go inside. There are some special interactive exhibits that require you to get a separate ticket, but it's well worth it. This place is humongous, you can literally spend their entire day here.
Cetty D
3 months agoIncredibile architecture, the Gilder Center was on my go-to list, I am happy I have visited. This is a new area of the museum and everything is fresh new. The insects and gem stone section are great, and I recommend spending some time. Non NYC residents pay 30USD per person, you can book online, which I recommend to save time on queueing.