American Museum of Natural History

As a VENUE: Host your event…

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

All proceeds support science and education at the American Museum of Natural History.

The Museum Shop: The flagship of the variously-themed Museum shops, this impressive tri-level store is a world-class source for unique gifts. Each level offers a special shopping experience: a fine gifts gallery, a reading and viewing room, and an unparalleled world of fun and discovery for children. Visitors can broaden their Museum experience with mementos that relate to favorite halls, from the Koch Dinosaur Wing to the mineral and meteorite exhibits; further their exploration of science with educational books and kits; add to their collections of jewelry inspired by world cultures; or bring home entertaining puzzles, iconic Museum apparel and memorabilia, and cuddly stuffed animals. This extraordinary store is truly a treasure trove for distinctive gifts.

Planetarium Shop: Taking its cue from the wonders of outer space and from the depths of our planet, this shop is filled with scientific gifts that enrich visitors’ experiences in the Hall of Planet Earth and the Hayden Planetarium. Adults and children will continue their adventure with items such as meteorite specimens, gems and minerals, books, movies, and iconic Museum apparel and memorabilia. This shop is located on the lower level of the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

As an EATERY: Food for thought…

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

• Give to our Relief Fund: Your support right now is critical. Your donation now will allow us to continue our mission of science and education – and help ensure that the American Museum of Natural History continues to serve New York City and our global audience, as it has for more than 150 years.
• Support Science Education: Behind every biologist, scientist, and astronaut is a great education. We leverage our unparalleled collections and the expertise of our scientists to provide the highest quality and most engaging education programming for students—and training for their teachers. Your support helps inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and science-literate citizens.
• Support Conservation: From protecting sea turtles in the Pacific to implementing conservation plans for flamingos in the Americas to building a global network of conservation practitioners, your gift will support the Museum’s conservation efforts.
• Support Free School Visits: Help the Museum carry out cutting-edge scientific research, host educational programs for learners of all ages, design award-winning exhibitions, and lead conservation efforts around the world. Your gift will help continue the Museum’s tradition of exploring and explaining the natural world.
• Naming Opportunities: Make your mark on the Museum! Our world-class collections and exhibits include fossils, minerals, dioramas, and so much more. Naming gifts are a unique opportunity to honor a loved one, establish a legacy, and support the Museum’s educational and scientific mission. Gift opportunities start at $2,500.
• Planned Giving: Consider leaving a legacy at the Museum to ensure that our exhibits, collections, and research scientists can inspire, inform, and delight generations to come. A well-planned gift can support the Museum’s future, while helping you and your family achieve your financial goals, such as lowering your tax liability or providing an income source for life.
  • IRA Charitable Distribution: Did you know that anyone age 70 ½ or above may transfer up to $100,000 each year directly from an IRA (an Individual Retirement Account) to 501 (c)(3) organizations like the American Museum of Natural History, without having to report the distributed amount as taxable income? In 2015, Congress permanently extended this charitable incentive – something that is referred to as a “Charitable IRA Rollover” or an IRA Charitable Distribution.
  • Bequests: Remembering the Museum in your will with a bequest is the most common way to plan a future gift. You may arrange for the Museum to receive: a specific dollar amount; specific assets like securities, real estate, or personal property; or, a portion of what remains after providing for other beneficiaries (known as a residuary bequest).
  • Beneficiary and Successor Designations: Beneficiary designations, like bequests in your will, are among the most flexible of planned giving options, allowing you to continue to freely use your account and change your mind in the future for any reason.  Life insurance policies can also be left to the Museum outside of your will, by making a simple change in the beneficiary designation.
  • Charitable Gift Annuities: The purchase of charitable gift annuities from the Museum not only helps to secure the future of the Museum, but can also help to secure your own financial future. If you are age 65 or above, you can transfer cash or stock to the Museum to fund such an annuity. Your gift annuity will make fixed payments for life to you, and/or to someone else if you wish. It will also allow you a partial charitable deduction.
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable-Lead Trusts: Individually managed charitable trusts of donated assets (typically cash, securities, and/or property) can be tailored by your advisor to meet your specific financial planning needs.