Nearly a century and a half after its opening, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent science museums and a New York institution. Native New Yorkers and international tourists alike flock to its fossils, bird, mammal, and ocean halls, and special exhibitions. The wonders are not limited to the museum: The surrounding Theodore Roosevelt Park is a boon to the community and a place of relaxation. The night before Thanksgiving, the balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are inflated on the grounds. All year round, the Shake Shack across the street serves as an unofficial museum cafeteria.
American Museum Of Natural History's Gilder Center Expansion
(Renderings by Studio Gang Architects)
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Views south from the Park Belvedere (Corcoran)
Annual attendance has risen from approximately three million to five million, which makes it fortunate that an expansion is in the works. A nature-inspired design by Studio Gang will carve out different areas in the museum, make for better circulation, and structurally support the space. Inside, the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation will be home to 15 dedicated educational spaces for all ages, an Insectarium and Butterfly Vivarium, and a five-story Collection Core that will house a portion of the museum’s specimens. However, the expansion does not come at the expense of Theodore Roosevelt Park; Landmarks did not approve the design until it was tweaked to better preserve public park space.
For all the excitement about the expanded American Museum of Natural History, the prewar residential buildings surrounding it cannot be overlooked or forgotten. Luminaries like Diane Sawyer, Helen Gurley Brown, Billie Jean King, Christopher Reeve, Bob Weinstein, Jerry Seinfeld, and Glenn Close would agree with that, all having made their home around the museum and park at some point. Listings in this area are naturally few and far between, but we discovered the following rare gems.
Google Earth aerial showing buildings around the American Museum of Natural History (CityRealty)
16 West 77th Street
All images of 16 West 77th Street via Brown Harris Stevens
Kitchen
Library
Terrace
For the first time in 40 years, this glamorous home at the top of a premier prewar building is on the market. Originally four separate apartments, this home occupies the entire 17th floor and part of the 16th floor and is currently configured as a duplex apartment, a one-bedroom and a studio. Create one of the most spectacular apartments in the city with some of the most spectacular views - Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and the entire city skyline. Read more.
The Beresford
All images of The Beresford via Stribling
Gallery
Kitchen
Bedroom
Located in the legendary Beresford, this sunny and expansive co-op epitomizes prewar elegance. A grand 27' central gallery leads to a stately, sun-flooded living room with a wood-burning fireplace, walnut bookcases and stunning direct views of the Planetarium and the American Museum of Natural History. The private living quarters include an enormous master suite with open Museum views and a full wall of custom built-ins. Read more.
Hayden House
All images of Hayden House via Corcoran
Kitchen
Bedroom
Museum and park views
Located on one of New York's most coveted blocks, this exquisite home boasts spectacular 10'7" ceilings and dramatic views of Theodore Roosevelt Park and the Rose Planetarium. An entry foyer leads to the grand, south-facing living room with a decorative fireplace and dramatic 9' x 7' window. A long hallway leads to the serene master bedroom, which also has soaring ceilings, a large closet with built-ins and a half bath. Read more.
The Park Belvedere
All images of The Park Belvedere, #23A via Core
Living room
Kitchen
Study
This bright, beautiful corner condo has timeless views of iconic New York City landmarks including the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Hudson River, and the city skyline. The entertaining space is anchored by eight bright windows, plenty of room for formal dining and a beautifully appointed open kitchen with stainless steel Wolf and Viking appliances. The large master suite enjoys an en-suite bath and timeless views of Central Park all the way over to the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Read more.
40 West 77th Street
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All images of 40 West 77th Street via Douglas Elliman
Kitchen
Bedroom
In an impeccable residence directly across from the American Museum of Natural History, this quiet and serene home awaits. A lovely foyer leads to the gracious living room and a large, renovated and windowed kitchen. Both bedrooms have south exposures and excellent light. Read more.
20 West 77th Street
All images of 20 West 77th Street, #6A via Corcoran
Kitchen
Bedroom
Museum view
A full custom gut renovation of this bright, classic 7-room home in one of the finest co-ops on the Upper West Side blends the elegance of prewar detail and scale seamlessly with modern comforts and high-end finishes, while optimizing the flow for gracious living.
A spacious, sunny living room's oversized windows showcase open views of the American Museum of Natural History's extraordinary architecture and lush landscaped grounds, as well as oblique views of Central Park.
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15 West 81st Street
All images of 15 West 81st Street via Corcoran
Gallery
Kitchen
Bedroom
Located in an Emery Roth-designed landmark building, this classic six features a prewar layout, a meticulous renovation, and truly grand scale rooms. A dramatic reception gallery flows into a 16' by 27' grandly proportioned living room with three large windows emphasizing the beautiful brownstone views and light. Features include endless storage, a washer/dryer, new windows, through-the-wall-air conditioning on the south side of the residence, recessed lighting, and full wiring with a Sonos sound system and electric blinds throughout. Read more.
The Park Belvedere
All images of The Park Belvedere #21C via Halstead
Dining area
Kitchen
Bedroom
Every detail in this spectacular, high-floor home was considered during this top of the line and meticulous renovation. The grand hall is perfect for displaying an art collection or photographs, but the iconic Central Park views and spectacular sunrise and sunset views are the true masterpieces. Other elements include solid oak floors, abundant and customized closets, additional built-in storage beneath every window, and a vented washer/dryer. Read more.
44 West 77th Street
All images of 44 West 77th Street via Halstead
Dining area
Bedroom
Nestled on a quiet double wide street and in a Gothic landmark, this one-bedroom gem faces the American Museum of Natural History and Theodore Roosevelt Park. Features include 9'6" ceilings, ample closets, a spacious dining area, and a full modern kitchen with custom cabinetry, marble countertops and full marble backsplash. The windowed bath has been completely redone, and the bedroom is in the rear of the unit ensuring tranquil privacy. Read more.
20 West 77th Street
All images of 20 West 77th Street #5A via Kurland Realty
Dining room
Bedroom
This grand, expansive and bright Classic Seven apartment is primed and ready for personal updating. Here one finds a wonderful flow from room to room, all with great light, inlayed wood floors and high ceilings. Enter into a foyer that opens to a bright, spacious living room with views of the American Museum of Natural History. Read more.
Google Earth aerial showing buildings around the American Museum of Natural History (CityRealty)
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Content Specialist
Michelle Mazzarella
Michelle is a contributing writer and editor for real estate news in New York City
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