One of New York’s most beloved holiday traditions is back. The Origami Holiday Tree opens on November 23 at the American Museum of Natural History, bringing its dazzling 13-foot tree to the Futter Gallery on Floor 1, where it will stay on display through January 20.
The tree showcases more than 1,000 masterfully folded origami models, including crowd favorites inspired by the Museum itself, like the T. rex and the Blue Whale. Every model is folded by hand by local, national, and international origami artists, in a tradition the Museum has shared with New Yorkers for decades, produced in partnership with OrigamiUSA.
This year’s theme is pure fun: “animal athletes.” In celebration of 2026 as a momentous year in sports, around the globe and in New York City, the branches spotlight animals famous for their impressive athletic feats. Look closely and you will find hummingbirds, cheetahs, ants, flying fish, and many more tiny paper champions hidden among the greenery.
The Origami Holiday Tree is included with any admission, which makes it an easy, joyful stop to combine with the Museum’s halls, dinosaurs, and planetarium on a holiday-season visit to 200 Central Park West, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Bring the family, take your time, and see how many paper athletes you can spot.
Photo: American Museum of Natural History
