Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511, USA

Address:	170 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Phone:	+1 203-432-5050
Site:	peabody.yale.edu
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

Horus Cartouche

i am surprise at all the high marks. a natural museum gets old real fast if it doesnt update its information. like the Natural History Museum in NYC, this one is disappointing because of (1) the static dioramas (can someone at least reposition some of them; otherwise, they look like their frozen in a persistent museum Ice Age permafrost), (2) the old murals (if no one will repaint them, let alone create updated ideas of what dinosaurs looked like), (3) outdated information (why arent they mentioning they enormous dinosaurs found in Argentina?), (4) and lack of information (how about some more information about Neanderthals and Denisovans in Asia.. or the genetic spread of haplogroups... or the spread of languages... or the spread of spear points and arrowheads?). with all the grant money and the university war chest, you would think it would be better. you could get some freshman or summer interns to put something together. Or instead of new murals or dioramas, how about some more video? Kids are used to videos... for documentaries, movies, and videogames. I dont usually gripe (look at my other reviews), but Yale can do better... and they should be able to do better than a family that has many incredible life-size dinosaur exhibits in the forests and fields of Montville, CT. the gemology section is tacky, but the Dinosaur Place in Montville is otherwise much better for repeated family outings.

John Weber

Awesome Museum, However the moronic, selfish "parents" that bring their kids to this museum and allow them to run wild and out of control throughout the museum shrieking, running and/or getting underfoot of those who wish to enjoy the museum totally ruins the experience. Hey Parents get a freggin clue: First, if you have an infant, a toddler or a child under 8, GET A SITTER and leave that child HOME. If you cant find a sitter, STAY HOME ! Children that young do not appreciate a museum and you do them no favors by making them slog through exhibit after exhibit which they have zero interest in. If you do bring your child to the museum, understand that the museum is not your home, your backyard or a playground and appropriate behavior is not just requested, but required.. If your kid cannot behave appropriately, leave that child at home. If your child/children are well behaved and quiet, there is a world of wonder and excitement for them here and they are welcome.

Amy Lurker

I vaguely remember visiting and loving the Peabody as a child. Brought my 2.5 year old here today and she had a blast. It also wasnt very busy so she got to run around from exhibit to exhibit and made a circuit of the great Hall at least three or four times. Nice little hands on area on the second floor that was a big hit with the toddler. Its a great sized museum to see if you just have a few hours. It was also nice she was still free, most museums start charging at age 2 but the Peabody doesnt until age 3. Great place to spend a morning or afternoon with young kids.

Elaine Piraino-Holevoet

Yes, there are plenty of dinosaurs. But there is so much more to discover inside these walls: realistic dioramas; sparkling gems and mind-blowing rock forms in the newly-renovated Hall of Minerals; the Discovery Room with living insects and reptiles (safely behind glass) for the littlest explorers… There is a rather hefty admission fee, but check out the website for the many opportunities to enjoy free or reduced admission, including “pay as you wish” Thursday afternoons, special free days, and library passes for those who live in the area.

Tony Gin

Very nice place to visit. Some significant paleontological work is being done here and is reflected in the exhibits. I was impressed by the updated information about the naming of Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus from 2015 as well as clarification about the mistake about the use of a Camarasaurus skull instead of an Apatosaurus skull of the original skeketon erected in the Great Hall.

Nathan Ondricek

Fun for an afternoon with the kids, but I wouldnt bother with a membership - Its a little smaller than I was expecting. Other than their big exhibit with the dinosaur bones there isnt a ton to see. The kids room is fun but small and crowded. Before going see if you can find discounted tickets from your local library.

springb329

My 4 year old begged to see dinosaurs so we went. She begged us to go again...we went 4 weeks in a row! Thankfully we bought the membership...we have access to so many other muesums. Her love of dinosaurs has grown tremendously since our first visit. Im so thankful we have great places like this to take her to.

Raúl Pérula-Martínez

Maravilloso sitio. Nosotros vimos una exposición de cultura japonesa. El resto esta muy bien cuidado, sobretodo la parte de los dinosaurios.

Peter Spilka

I have great memories of this place as a child and now my wife and I bring my daughters to see the dinosaur skeletons, mineral collection, and dioramas. The museum isnt to big to walk through in an afternoon, but despite the over a dozen times Ive been, I notice or learn something new every time.

Tim Malone

Great museum. It has such a nice old natural history museum vibe. Lots of interesting displays. The dinosaurs are always a hit. The bird area is pretty cool too. I wish they had a cafe though. There arent a lot of options in the immediate area (not when you have multiple children melting down).

Carlos Russo

Pretty good experience overall. Of course its a small museum in comparison to others in the country, but if youre in the area its a pretty cool way to spend an afternoon. Would probably go back if I was in the area again; given that enough time has passed since my last visit.

Rachel Miller

Cant tell you about the museum because my family and I drove around for over an hour trying to find a place to park that didnt require a permit. They have a parking lot with maybe 30 spots that was completely full we drove through it 5 times. This was on a Tuesday.

Charlene Smith

The leaf cutter ants have a complex home that is very entertaining. Looking at real dinosaur skeletons was fun. The gems and minerals collection was impressive too. Its like a mini Smithsonian Natural History experience and more in one building in New Haven.

Deziel606, Deziel060 And Deziel666

They have a great exhibit on: Dinosaurs, Ancient Mammals, Gems, Minerals, Ancient Egypt, Astronomy, Modern Animals, A little exhibit on there main dinosaur, and a new exhibit that I have no idea what is on, Native Americans... And thats it.

Rachel Allen

It looks fun to bring kids because there isnt too much. It is the smallest natural history musuem I have gone to. I was expecting much more. Do not drive longer than an hour to go. It only takes about an hour to walk the whole musuem.

A Private User

I love this museum. The traveling exhibits are fascinating and the permanent collection is stunning. It covers most of natural history from the dinosaurs to the Native Americans to minerals and meteors. I go every chance I get.

Alvin Bruning

Displays laid out beautifully. My wife an I enjoyed everything. Friendly staff and easy entry. If your a senior you will get a discount. If you can go on the weekend there is plenty of parking across the street.

Frank Marino

Great for little dinosaur lovers. My kids love visiting here and always make sure to visit the exploration/discovery room in the third floor. Live animals and a really cool leaf cutter ant display up there.