Natural History Museum

The Natural History museum is a place beloved by adults and children from all over the UK and is a world-renowned research centre. The Waterhouse building that houses the museum was first designed by Captain Francis Fowke who died before creating his mater-piece, however, the work was taken on by Alfred Waterhouse who after adapting Fowke's designs created a truly breath-taking building.

The Museum was created a hugely grand scale and has often been referred to as a 'cathedral of nature' and the museum's cavernous central hall is reminiscent of a grand cathedral. The outside of the building is adorned with terracotta bricks and tiles featured sculptures of living, extinct and mythical creatures.

The Natural History Museum's outstanding collection was founded on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish doctor who sold his artefacts to the British Government. The collection has grown significantly since this time, and housed in the museum today are several casts of dinosaur skeletons, the most impressive being the famous Diplidocus cast that resides in the central hall and greets all visitors.

The museum is split into colour coded sections Green represents the Earth's ecology; Red explores the ever-changing natural forces and so on. Highlights that should not be missed include the skeleton of a Steller's sea cow, the tusk of a narwhal, a life-size model of a blue whale, thousands of specimens of gems and rocks, the skull of a gigantic crocodile, a wildlife garden and a whole lot more.

You can also partake in daily events at the museum; these include loaning explorer backpacks for the under-seven visitors, discovery guides and informal talks.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions the Natural History Museum also features many temporary exhibitions some of theme exhibitions and galleries do charge for admission. You can find out more about these in our Exhibitions and Family Sections.

The Natural History Museum is open every day of the year from 10am till 5.50pm excepting Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Find out more about the Natural History Museum.

How to get there

The closest tube station is at South Kensington. If on the bus jump on either the 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, C1, N14 or the N97.