Origami Holiday Tree at Museum of Natural History

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Emma Goldschmidt

See this year's 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree in all its splendor!

An annual tradition for more than 40 years, the Origami Holiday Tree marks the start of the holiday season at the American Museum of Natural History.

The 2026 tree goes on view Monday, November 23, with a theme of animal athletes, a nod to a big year for sports around the world and here in New York City. New models this year include hummingbirds, cheetahs, ants, flying fish, and other animals with impressive athletic abilities.

The 13-foot tree is covered in more than 1,000 folded paper models, including favorites from the museum’s own halls like T. rex and the Blue Whale.

The models are made by local, national, and international origami artists, and the tree is produced in partnership with OrigamiUSA.

Included with museum admission. Floor 1, Futter Gallery.