The Natural History Museum

Museum Gallery
Disabled Access
Guided Tours
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
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Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London
Natural History Museum, London

Overview

The Museum opened its doors in 1881 and has since become a popular tourist attraction and a world-renowned research center. It is one of the most visited attractions in the UK, welcoming over five million visitors each year. It is now one of the most iconic museums in the world and is home to a vast array of natural history specimens and artifacts. The museum showcases over 80 million specimens from all over the world, including a wide range of flora and fauna, rocks, minerals, human remains, and fossils. 

Where is The Natural History Museum located?

The Natural History Museum is located in London, in the heart of the city's South Kensington district. It is an incredible place to explore the natural world and to learn about the history of the planet. It is a must-see for anyone visiting London.

What is the history of The Natural History Museum to the present day?

The origins of the museum date back to 1753 when it was established by a group of influential gentlemen who were interested in the study of natural history. By the early 19th century, the museum had become a major repository of natural history specimens and its collections began to attract international attention. In 1881, the museum was officially incorporated as The Natural History Museum. With the acquisition of new specimens and the expansion of its collections, the museum was able to become one of the world’s largest and most important repositories of natural history specimens. It was also able to create a library, a scientific research center, and a public education center. In the late 19th century, the museum began to focus on the study of evolution and the idea of natural selection, which eventually led to the formation of the evolutionary tree of life. This led to the establishment of the museum's Darwin Centre in 2009, which is dedicated to the study of evolutionary biology and the history of life on Earth. The museum has also been involved in a number of projects to protect endangered species, many of which have been successful. The museum also works with conservationists around the world to help protect species from extinction. Today, the Natural History Museum is a major international tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is also an important research center, housing an extensive library and archives. The museum continues to expand its collections and educational programs, and is a major resource for natural history education and research.

What is there to see and do at The Natural History Museum?

Visitors to the Natural History Museum are able to explore the galleries, exhibitions and displays that the museum has to offer. The museum's collection is divided into five major sections – Earth, Life, Mankind, Natural Environment, and the Earth Today. Within these sections, visitors can explore the museum's vast collection of specimens, see a range of interactive displays, and learn about the history of the natural world. In addition to the galleries and exhibitions, the museum also hosts a range of educational programs, workshops and events for visitors of all ages. These programs provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about a range of topics, from the basics of natural science to more specialized topics. 

Other Information

The museum also houses a range of cafes and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a bite to eat after exploring the museum. There is also a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia from their visit.

Facilities & information

Summary

Free admission

Guided tours

Gift shop

Information provided

Learning facilities

Facilities

Disabled Access

Guided Tours

Shop

Food

Tea Room

Extra info

Arrival information & directions

Address: Cromwell Road, London, LondonSW7 5BD, United Kingdom

Cromwell Road main entrance: This entrance is open and is accessible via the gates at the front of the Museum. It has step-free access with a ramp. 

Exhibition Road: This entrance is open but not step free. There is a lift from the entrance lobby to the galleries. 

By Tube

The nearest Tube station is South Kensington, about a five-minute walk from the Museum's main entrance on Cromwell Road. Piccadilly, District and Circle line trains stop at South Kensington. This station is not step-free.

Gloucester Road station is about a 12-minute walk from the main entrance on Cromwell Road. It services the Piccadilly, District and Circle lines. This station has a lift but is not step-free.

Disabled parking

There is very limited number of parking spaces on site for Blue Badge holders. Availability cannot be guaranteed. Please book in advance by calling on +44 (0)20 7942 5000. You can access these spaces via Queen's Gate, SW7 5HD, to the west of the Museum.

There are also twelve Blue Badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road. These spaces are managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and cannot be booked in advance. You can park there for four hours between 8.30 and 18.30. 

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