The Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum in London is one of the most fascinating museums in the world, showcasing an enormous variety of specimens from the natural world.
Visitor Information: The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum
DescriptionLocated in South Kensington, the Natural History museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in biology, geology, and natural history. Here are just a few of the highlights you can expect to see on display at the Natural History Museum.
The Blue Whale: The Natural History Museum is home to a stunning 25-meter-long blue whale skeleton, which hangs from the ceiling in the Hintze Hall. The whale was first displayed in the museum in 1934, and it remains one of the most popular exhibits to this day.
Dinosaurs: The museum has an incredible collection of dinosaur skeletons and fossils, including a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Stegosaurus. Visitors can also learn about the evolution of dinosaurs and how they went extinct.
The Earth’s Treasures: The Earth’s Treasures exhibit showcases a vast array of precious gems and minerals, including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Visitors can learn about the formation of these minerals and the processes that create them.
The Human Biology Exhibit: This exhibit explores the human body and how it works. Visitors can learn about the different systems of the body, from the respiratory system to the digestive system, and see real human organs on display.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: The Natural History Museum hosts an annual wildlife photography competition, and the winning entries are displayed in a special exhibit. The photographs showcase the beauty and diversity of the natural world, from majestic lions to tiny insects.
The Darwin Centre: The Darwin Centre is a fascinating section of the museum that explores the work of Charles Darwin and the theory of evolution. Visitors can see real specimens collected by Darwin, including beetles and birds, and learn about his groundbreaking research.
The Creepy Crawlies: The Creepy Crawlies exhibit showcases a range of insects, spiders, and other creepy crawlies. Visitors can see giant spiders, tarantulas, and even a giant centipede on display.
The Volcanoes and Earthquakes Exhibit: This exhibit explores the geology of the earth, including the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Visitors can see real rocks and minerals, and even experience what it feels like to be in an earthquake.
The Ocean Zone: The Ocean Zone exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the ocean, exploring the different ecosystems and creatures that live beneath the waves. Visitors can see real coral reefs and even touch a starfish.
Overall, the Natural History Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural world. With its vast collection of specimens, interactive exhibits, and educational displays, the museum offers a unique and fascinating look at the wonders of nature.
Whether you are a biology enthusiast, a geology buff, or simply someone who loves learning about the world around us, the Natural History Museum is a must-see attraction.
Highlights
Not to be missed when visitingHintze Hall: The museum’s main hall is a spectacular introduction to the museum, housing the magnificent blue whale skeleton named Hope. It’s also home to stunning displays including a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite.
Dinosaurs gallery: This exhibit is one of the most famous in the museum, featuring a range of fossils, life-sized reconstructions, and an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex.
Human Evolution: This gallery traces the journey of human evolution over millions of years, featuring fossil and artefact displays including a replica of the early human ‘Lucy’.
Volcanoes and Earthquakes: Learn about the Earth’s tectonic forces in this interactive exhibit which includes an earthquake simulator and information about historic volcanic eruptions.
The Cocoon (Darwin Centre): This exhibit is where you can see scientists at work and discover millions of preserved specimens. It contains collections of botany, entomology, and zoology specimens.
Mammals: Large and small mammals are on display here, from a life-sized blue whale model to bats, hedgehogs, and mammoth fossils.
Images of Nature: This gallery displays images of nature, both drawings and photographs, showcasing how artists and scientists view the natural world.
Mineral Gallery: It houses a vast collection of rocks, gems and minerals, including the famous Aurora Pyramid of Hope, a display of 296 naturally coloured diamonds.
The Wildlife Garden: This outdoor exhibit (open part of the year) houses a range of habitats representing the UK’s wildlife.
The Attenborough Studio: Named after broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough, this auditorium hosts daily Nature Live talks on a wide range of natural history topics.
FAQs
Where is the Natural History Museum located?
The Natural History Museum is located in London, England, on Cromwell Road, South Kensington.
Is there an entrance fee to visit the museum?
No, entry to the Natural History Museum is free, but donations are welcome. However, certain special exhibitions may charge an entry fee.
What are the opening hours of the museum?
The museum usually opens from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM daily, but the times may vary on public holidays or special occasions.
Is it possible to take photos in the museum?
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed. Some temporary exhibitions may not permit photography.
Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the museum is fully accessible to people with disabilities. It offers wheelchair hire, accessible toilets, and hearing loops.
What other attractions are nearby?
The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington, London, which is a cultural hub full of many exciting attractions. Here are some that are nearby:
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): Just a short walk from the Natural History Museum, the V&A is the world’s largest museum of art, design, and performance, showcasing over 2 million objects.
Science Museum: Next to the Natural History Museum, it’s one of the city’s major museums dedicated to science, technology, medicine, and industry. It has a variety of interactive exhibits that are fun for all ages.
The Royal Albert Hall: This iconic concert hall is a short walk away and hosts concerts, ballets, operas, and the annual summer Proms series.
Kensington Gardens: These beautiful gardens are part of the historic Royal Parks of London, home to the Kensington Palace, the Serpentine Gallery, and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
Kensington Palace: Once the home of Princess Diana, and now the residence of other royals, the palace and its gardens are open to the public for tours.
Serpentine Galleries: Located in Kensington Gardens, these galleries are famous for contemporary art exhibitions.
Harrods: This iconic department store is a short distance away in Knightsbridge and is known for its luxury goods.
The Design Museum: A little further afield in Kensington, this museum is dedicated to contemporary design in every form.
Hyde Park: One of the largest parks in London, it’s great for a stroll, picnic, or boat ride on the Serpentine Lake.
The Royal College of Music: A conservatoire established by royal charter in 1882, located in South Kensington.