Upper West Side

Understanding Upper West Side

The natural-history museum was founded in 1869 by an act of the state legislature. Its research and education mission helps explain the range of science, human-culture and universe exhibits that occupy its growing campus.

The Folk Art Museum began in 1961 and focuses on artists whose work developed largely outside formal art training. That gives the neighborhood a smaller-scale art choice alongside its larger institutions.

Places to explore

• American Museum of Natural History

  Central Park West at West 79th Street

  Choose the halls or a ticketed experience using the museum map and admission options. The Rose Center and Gilder Center are parts of the same museum. Accessible entrances are identified on West 81st Street and Columbus Avenue.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• Lincoln Center

  Lincoln Square

  Choose a resident organization, performance or published campus visit. Use the venue and accessibility pages to find the correct building and entry arrangements.

  Read the NYFE place guide

• American Folk Art Museum

  2 Lincoln Square

  See exhibitions of folk and self-taught art in a focused museum visit. Admission is free; check the current exhibition and opening information before traveling.

  Read the NYFE place guide

Planning a visit

AMNH lists the B on weekdays or C to 81st Street, and the 1 to 79th Street. Check current service and select the approach for your chosen museum or venue.

AMNH states that the 81st Street subway station is not wheelchair accessible. Plan the station and street approach separately from building access.