Get ready to be amazed! Though it boasts an imposing Romanesque exterior reminiscent of a grand cathedral, the Natural History Museum is anything but stuffy. This iconic London landmark embraces a modern museum experience, bursting with interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art facilities.
Opening Hours and Admission:
The Museum opens its doors daily at 10 am and remains open until 5:50 pm. It welcomes visitors throughout the year, except for December 24th, 25th, and 26th. While admission is free, certain tours, events, and temporary exhibitions may require a fee. For any inquiries, give the Museum a call at 020 7942 5511.
Shop ’til You Drop:
Indulge your inner explorer in the Museum’s charming gift shops. The Museum Shop in Hintze Hall offers a treasure trove of nature-inspired goodies. Head to the Cranbourne Boutique in the Red Zone for upscale fashion and luxury home decor. Finally, the Dino Store at the Dinosaur gallery exit is the ultimate destination for dinosaur-themed toys, games, mugs, and clothing.
Family Fun:
For little explorers under seven, the main Hintze Hall information desk provides free Explorer Backpacks. These backpacks are packed with exciting activity booklets, safari hats, and binoculars, making the museum experience even more engaging. A valid form of ID is required as a deposit.
Accessibility for All:
The Natural History Museum prioritizes accessibility for everyone. All floors in the Blue, Green, and Red Zones, as well as the Darwin Centre, are accessible by lift. Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the cloakrooms. Additionally, a limited number of parking spaces are reserved for Blue Badge holders. To book a parking space, call 020 7942 5000 and request to speak with the security reception team.
Exploring the Zones: Uncovering Earth’s Wonders
The Museum is organized into four captivating zones, each showcasing the diverse wonders of our planet.
Blue Zone: Where Dinosaurs Roam
Prepare to be transported to a world of prehistoric giants in the Blue Zone! This zone is a true highlight for young visitors, especially those captivated by dinosaurs. While the animatronic T. rex in the Dinosaur Galleries steals the show, the life-size blue whale replica in the mammals exhibition and interactive brain games in the Human Biology section offer equally engaging experiences.
Green Zone: Ancient Secrets and Modern Wonders
Step into the breathtaking Hintze Hall and marvel at the awe-inspiring diplodocus skeleton and the 1,300-year-old giant sequoia tree. This is just the beginning of the Green Zone’s captivating journey through time. Don’t miss the creepy crawlies and the Vault, home to the oldest substance you’ll ever encounter: diamond dust formed from a star that exploded billions of years ago.
Red Zone: Earth’s Unstoppable Forces
Embark on a thrilling journey through the Earth’s core in the Red Zone. Ascend an escalator that simulates a descent into Earth’s depths and discover the powerful forces that shape our planet. Don’t miss the Volcanoes & Earthquakes exhibit, where the floor rumbles to life, giving you a taste of the real-life experience of an earthquake.
Orange Zone: Darwin’s Legacy and Spirited Creatures
The Orange Zone is home to the magnificent Darwin Centre, a structure that resembles a giant cocoon. Take a lift seven floors high and then explore the exhibitions as you descend on foot. Within these captivating spaces, you’ll find the mesmerizing Spirit Collection, a collection of 22 million creatures preserved in spirit jars, a true testament to the wonders of nature.
Beyond the Exhibits: Special Events and Dining Delights
The Natural History Museum offers a vibrant calendar of events, from adult sleepovers to silent discos, ensuring there’s something for everyone. On the last Friday of each month, the Museum extends its hours for a special Late Night event, complete with drinks, talks, and a chance to experience the Museum like you’re starring in the film “Night At The Museum.” One event that’s not to be missed is the Spirit Collection tour in the Darwin Centre, running throughout the year. This 50-minute tour costs £10 and features fascinating specimens collected by Darwin himself, including Archie, the 8.62-meter-long giant squid.
Fueling Your Adventures:
The Museum offers a diverse selection of dining options, from family-friendly cafes to more sophisticated restaurants, ensuring a delicious break during your explorations.
T. rex Grill: Step back in time to a cretaceous jungle at the T. rex Grill, where you can indulge in delicious burgers, steaks, pizzas, and puddings, all with a prehistoric twist. Located in the Green Zone, this family-friendly restaurant is open from 11 am to 4 pm.
Red Zone Kitchen: Located next to Earth Hall, the Red Zone Kitchen boasts a more grown-up ambiance, offering a rotating selection of salads and hot dishes. Don’t be deterred by the sophisticated atmosphere, as the restaurant offers special lunch deals and activity packs for children. Open from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Coffee House: Relax after your earthquake and volcano experience at the informal Coffee House, just next door to the Red Zone Kitchen. Enjoy artisan coffees and freshly baked pastries and cakes, perfect for a quick break. Open from 10 am to 5 pm.
Central Café: Nestled in the beautiful Hintze Hall, the Central Café serves coffee, pastries, and light lunches. Open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, it’s worth visiting for the stunning view alone. Don’t miss the intricately decorated ceiling, featuring 162 panels showcasing plants from around the world.
Darwin Centre Café: Tucked away in the Darwin Centre, the Darwin Centre Café offers a relaxing atmosphere and a great selection of sandwiches, muffins, and snacks. Open from 10 am to 5 pm, it’s located in the Orange Zone and often less crowded than the other eateries.
Finding Your Way to the Museum:
The Natural History Museum stands proudly on Cromwell Road, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and a true icon of London. If you’re visiting the Dinosaur exhibition, opt for the Queen’s Gate entrance instead of the Cromwell Road entrance.
By Bike: Utilize the bike racks on Exhibition Road or find a cycle hire docking station near the Exhibition Road entrance or on Thurloe Place, near South Kensington tube station.
By Bus: Buses 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, and C1 all stop near the Museum.
By Tube and Train: The easiest way to reach the Museum is by tube. The nearest stations are Gloucester Road and South Kensington on the District, Piccadilly, and Circle lines, both just a five-minute walk away. The nearest mainline station is Victoria.
