About
The Grant Museum of Zoology is one of the oldest and most important natural history collections in Britain. This fascinating UCL museum houses approximately 68,000 specimens, from tiny insects to elephant skulls. The collection includes many rare and extinct species, including dodo bones, a quagga skeleton, and Tasmanian tiger specimens.
With specimens displayed in Victorian-style cabinets creating an atmospheric setting, the Grant Museum offers a unique window into the animal kingdom and the history of zoological science. The museum is particularly known for its Micrarium - a backlit wall displaying thousands of microscope slides.
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday
Busiest: Saturday
💡 Weekday afternoons for a quieter visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- The museum is compact but densely packed - allow time to explore thoroughly
- Look for the famous 'jar of moles' - a quirky Victorian display
- Don't miss the Micrarium on the back wall - stunning when backlit
- Great for biology students and anyone interested in natural history
- Photography is encouraged - the specimens make fascinating subjects
Highlights
The Micrarium
Stunning backlit wall displaying thousands of microscope slides
Dodo Bones
Rare skeletal remains of the extinct dodo
Quagga Skeleton
Complete skeleton of the extinct subspecies of zebra
Tasmanian Tiger Specimens
Preserved specimens of the extinct thylacine
Collections
Approximately 68,000 zoological specimens spanning the entire animal kingdom, including skeletons, mounted animals, specimens in fluid, and microscope slides. Particularly strong in extinct species and comparative anatomy specimens.
Explore the diverse collections housed in this museum.
Themes
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.