The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is a leading scientific, educational, and cultural institution dedicated to exploring and interpreting human cultures, the natural world, and the universe. Founded in New York City in 1869, it has since advanced its mission through extensive scientific research, education, and exhibitions. Naturalist Albert S. Bickmore conceptualized the museum in 1861, gaining support from prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt Sr., J. Pierpont Morgan, and Charles A. Dana. The museum's first president was John David Wolfe.
The museum's collections comprise over 30 million specimens and cultural artifacts, including vast fossil and insect collections. AMNH maintains 45 permanent exhibition halls and state-of-the-art research laboratories. In 2006, it established the Richard Gilder Graduate School, becoming the first American museum with the authority to grant Ph.D. degrees. Recent news includes the discovery of over 70 new species by museum researchers in 2025, ranging from insects to mammals. The museum is also undertaking repatriation efforts and consultations regarding cultural collections. Recent exhibitions include "Impact: The End of the Age of Dinosaurs".
