Click for more details on the American Museum of Natural History

History of the Museum
The museum dates back to its founding in 1869 when the official bill was signed to create the American Museum of Natural History by New York Governor John Thompson Hoffman. John David Wolfe became president of the museum in 1870 and it wasn’t until 1871 when a series of collections went on display for the first time in the Central Park Arsenal. Central Park Arsenal was the original home of the museum.

The museum outgrew its original building and moved to its current location in 1874. However, the first building didn’t open to the public until 1877 after President Rutherford Hayes performed the public ceremony.

From 1880 to the early 1930’s the museum was involved with many expeditions that took place to discover unmapped areas of Siberia, North Poke, Gobi and Mongolia. These explorations sent representatives and scientists on a journey all around the globe to bring back different discoveries that would become artifacts in the museum today.

Exhibits and Amenities

The Hall of Biodiversity at the AMNH feature dioramas of some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. Notable galleries in this exhibit include the Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest, Spectrum of Life and Endangered Species. At the Hall of Ocean Life, visitors will discover hundreds of aquatic species. Covering nearly 30,000 sq feet, this section includes a life-size replica of a blue whale. The world’s most beloved animals are also featured in the Mammal Halls. The Hall of Reptiles and Amphibians includes presentations on the alligator, Komodo dragon and other cold-blooded animals.

If you’re curious about extinct beasts, check out the Fossil Halls. Hundreds of authentic and restored dinosaur fossils are on display in these halls. A dinosaur fossil also stands in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda near the main entrance. The Rose Center for Space and Earth covers everything from the Big Bang and astronomy to aerospace and aeronautics. Don’t forget to explore the Human Origins and Cultural Halls, which focus on ancient and modern civilizations.

Located on the lower level, the Museum Food Court serves dozens of a la carte items, including gluten-free treats. Beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages are available at the Cafe on One, which is located on the first level. Gourmet snacks may be purchased at the Cafe on Four, which overlooks 77th Street.

Occupying three levels, the museum shop sells books, toys, puzzles, artwork and other souvenirs relating to the exhibits on display. The Planetarium Shop and Cosmic Shop sell an array of interesting items relating to outer space. Kids can buy awesome dinosaur-themed merchandise at the Dino Store on the fourth level. Additionally, the special exhibitions at the AMNH often include temporary vendor kiosks.

Location and Travel Tips

The American Museum of Natural History has its own subway station near the corner of 81st Street and Central Park West. You can take the B and C trains to this underground station in Manhattan’s Upper West Side district. An on-site parking garage is also accessible from 81st Street. Additionally, the AMNH is located just steps away from the scenic Central Park, one of NYC’s premier green spaces.

Click to visit the American Museum of Natural History official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the museum or company in question.

Click for more details on the Beacon Theatre

Brief History and Fun Facts

Originally built in 1929, the Beacon Theatre is a prime example of a vaudeville-era venue that still entertains visitors. American architect Walter William Ahlschlager designed this entertainment center in a style that truly captured the glitz and glamour of motion pictures in the Roaring Twenties. Throughout the decades, the complex hosted concerts by some of the greatest American music bands, such as the Rolling Stones, Coldplay and the Allman Brothers Band. Hailing from New York, legendary comedian Jerry Seinfeld also earned a residency at this historic theatre. Additionally, the venue has previously hosted the Tribeca Film Festival and Tony Awards.

Looking to expand its presence in the New York market, the well-established Madison Square Garden Company acquired this famous entertainment facility in 2006. The theatre’s calendar is typically booked with shows featuring comedians, music artists and other entertainers who go on nationwide tours.

Facilities and Amenities

The Beacon Theatre has three tiers of seating for approximately 2,600 spectators. Visitors will love the original neo-Grecian design of this historic venue. Tall columns, murals and other ornamental elements decorate the interior of this famous entertainment facility. Premium seating is available at the Orchestra Level, which offers some of the best views of the center stage. Other seating options include the Lodge, Lower Balcony and Upper Balcony. Elevators aren’t available at this theatre, so guests will have to use the stairways to reach the upper levels.

The box office is open Monday through Sunday, but operating hours depend on the start time of the scheduled shows. There aren’t any on-site food and beverage options, but you’ll find lots of restaurants and bars on Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. Before a show, you can hang out at the nearby Verdi Square, a small municipal park with gardens, monuments and other public amenities.

Location and Transportation Options

Situated on Manhattan’s iconic Broadway thoroughfare, the Beacon Theatre is within walking distance of the 72nd Street Broadway Station. The 1, 2 and 3 subway trains serve this underground rapid transit hub in the Upper West Side neighborhood. Drivers may use the official ParkWhiz mobile application to reserve parking near this iconic place. The Henry Hudson Parkway and Central Park West are only a few blocks away from this attraction.

Click to visit the Beacon Theatre official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.

Click for more information on One World Trade Center

Attractions and Highlights

The One World Observatory: An Experience Above is one of the most popular attractions in the Big Apple. Located on the 102nd level of One WTC, the observation level allows visitors to admire the city’s famous skyline and surrounding landscapes. The experience begins with a quick ride on the signature SkyPod Elevators. After looking at skyscrapers, rivers and harbors, guests may enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks at One Dine, a high-end restaurant that also offers panoramic views of NYC. Situated on the 64th floor of the skyscraper, One World Commons is an exclusive facility that’s designed to improve work-related productivity. Only tenants of the building have access to the 25,000-square-foot venue, which includes the Sky Lobby, Work Cafe, game rooms and conference rooms. One World Commons is one of the most innovative work spaces in the city.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum is essentially an enormous courtyard at the footsteps of One World Trade Center. As the name implies, this complex is dedicated to the horrific events that occurred at the site in September of 2001. The two large reflecting pools at the memorial commemorate all of the innocent lives lost in the attacks. Visitors can also pay tribute to the victims of the attacks at the state-of-the-art museums, which includes several permanent galleries with authentic artifacts recovered from the ruins of the Twin Towers. The museum has some of the most emotionally charged exhibits in NYC, such as Revealed: The Hunt for Bin Laden and Memorial Exhibition: In Memoriam.

Click for more information on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Location and Getting There

Occupying an entire block in Lower Manhattan, New York City, One World Trade Center is best accessible by rapid transit. Multiple New York City Subway lines serve the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Port Authority-Trans Hudson (PATH) trains also serve this modern station, which includes the iconic Oculus building. Additionally, the transit hub is within walking distance of riverfront docks that are served by the New York Water Taxi and the State Island Ferry. There are also plenty of indoor parking garages and NYC Citi Bike kiosks near One WTC.

Click to visit official sites of One World Trade Center, One World Observatory: An Experience Above and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company or museum in question.

Click for more details on the world’s most famous intersection – Times Square

A Bit of History

Times Square was first named Longacre Square changing its name in 1904. The New York Times built the Times Tower in 1904 on 43rd street to replace its premises in the downtown area. Even after in 1913 when The New York Times moved once again across Broadway, the name stuck with the natives and never changed. There were more than 250 shows by 1928 and more than 75 theaters that developed.

Adolph Ochs, The New York Times publisher consulted with the mayor about the construction of a nearby subway station. This was when the rise to building boom accelerated and the electronic advertising began. After the Great Depression is when visitors stopped visiting. The next few decades were filled with tons of criminal activity giving visitors and locals a decline to visit.

The Embassy Theatre was built in 1925. Ran by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, this high society motion picture house made history by being the only theatre ran by solely woman. It was in 1929 when the Embassy sparked a trend that went national for becoming the very first newsreel theatre in the USA. When you visit the Embassy Theatre, which is now the Times Square Visitors Center, you will be able to watch the 5 minute documentary that tells the Times Square story presenting the stories over the past century.

Attractions and Highlights

Times Square is home to some of the most notable Broadway theaters, such as the Minskoff, Lyceum and Shubert. As you walk the district’s glamorous streets, you’ll probably see plenty of enormous billboards that promote the latest Broadway productions. You can also purchase tickets for shows at the official TKTS booth that’s centrally located in a high-traffic area. Your eyes will also be drawn to the dozens of other digital billboards that advertise everything from fashionable attire and gadgets to upcoming events and breaking news.

This vibrant neighborhood is also lined with souvenir shops and flagship stores with seemingly endless piles of goods. For example, M&M’s World and Hershey’s Chocolate World satisfy your cravings for chocolate treats in dozens of unique flavors. Would you like to pose with life-size figures of your favorite celebrities? Visit the Madame Tussauds New York Wax Museum in Times Square. This premium attraction features interactive exhibits, such as the Mission: Undead and Kong: Skull Island.

If you have a generous budget, you might be fortunate enough to reserve a room in one of the high-rise hotels that dominate the local skyline. Featuring more than 50 floors, the New York Marriott Marquis is one of the premier lodging venues in Midtown Manhattan. This skyscraper hotel even offers on-site entertainment at the Marquis Theater. Other notable hotel towers in the district include the Sheraton New York and Crowne Plaza.

The congestion of the crowds brings forth the true authenticity of what Times Square is all about. The Times Square Visitors Center is where to visit first as it provides services such as the ability to purchase tickets to all Broadway shows, tours, upcoming attractions and maps and free brochures of Times Square.

Transportation Options

Several New York City subway lines stop at a massive underground complex in Times Square. Some busy routes that serve this bustling part of Midtown Manhattan include the 1, A, 7 and Q lines. The subway station in this district has multiple entrances and exits on 42nd Street. You can also make smooth transfers from subway trains to dozens of bus routes at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

Click to visit the Times Square official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.

Click for more details on the national historic landmark – the Rockefeller Center

Sightseeing, Shopping and Other Highlights

The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is one of the most visited attractions at the Rockefeller Center. Situated on top of the historic 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this multi-level observation area offers 360-degree views of the city’s five boroughs and other surrounding communities. During the winter season, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is open for freestyle ice skating with great views of the famous Christmas Tree. The rink is usually surrounded by an array of international flags and other banners that celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse character.

The annual lighting of the Christmas tree is one of the center’s most notable traditions. Additionally, a tour of the NBC studios is another popular sightseeing option at the center. You can also take a tour of the iconic Radio City Music Hall, which hosts the signature Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes.

The spring and summer seasons bring out the best of the Channel Gardens, which include colorful flowers and well-manicured shrubs along with European-inspired fountains. The skyscrapers and other structures at the Rockefeller Center are also decorated with stunning artistic elements, such as the famous Atlas and Prometheus statues that are inspired by Greek mythology. The Winged Mercury, Story of Mankind, Arms of England and Acts from Vaudeville are among dozens of Art Deco art pieces that are integrated into the facades of multiple buildings. Marble floors and walls with classic Italian designs also decorate the massive concourses at the Rockefeller Plaza.

Home to more than 100 shops, the Rockefeller Center is one of the premier retail hubs in Midtown Manhattan. From fashionable attire to Big Apple souvenirs, you can purchase a wide range of premium items at the center’s shopping concourse. From pizza and pasta to gourmet European dishes and authentic Asian bites, the center offers dozens of appetizing food options within walking distance of each other.

Location and Transportation

Several NYC subway trains stop at the Rockefeller Center Station, which is accessible from 6th Avenue. Some MTA bus routes that stop near the iconic center include the M2, M5 and M7. Additionally, the historic Grand Central Terminal is only several blocks south of this mixed-used property.

Click to visit the Rockefeller Center official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.