About
The Natural History Museum is a world-leading science research centre and one of London's most beautiful Victorian buildings. Home to over 80 million specimens spanning billions of years, the museum's iconic collections include dinosaur skeletons, a 25-metre blue whale, precious gems, and meteorites.
Visitors can explore the origins of life, the diversity of the natural world, and the forces that shape our planet.
With interactive galleries, the famous Dippy the Diplodocus on tour, and the spectacular Hintze Hall, it's a must-visit destination for anyone curious about nature and science.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2019)
4,654,608
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings 10am-12pm or late Friday evenings
💡 Visitor Tips
- Book your free ticket in advance - entry is by timed slot
- Visit the Dinosaur Gallery early to avoid crowds, especially with children
- Don't miss the Wildlife Garden on upper floors - it's a hidden gem (April-October only)
- Last Friday of month 'Lates' events (until 22:00) offer a different atmosphere with talks and bars
- Combine with Science Museum and V&A - all three South Kensington museums are next to each other
- The museum shop has excellent dinosaur toys and natural history books for all ages
Highlights
Hope the Blue Whale
Spectacular 25.2-metre blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall. This 126-year-old female reminds us of our responsibility to protect the natural world.
Dinosaur Gallery
Walk among life-sized dinosaur skeletons including T. rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus. Features animatronic T. rex that moves and roars.
The Vault
Dazzling display of rare gems, minerals, and meteorites including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and a Martian meteorite.
Wildlife Garden
Hidden outdoor garden showcasing British wildlife habitats including meadow, woodland, and pond ecosystems. Open seasonally April-October.
Collections
The Natural History Museum houses over 80 million specimens spanning billions of years of natural history. Collections include 9 million fossils, 5.
5 million insects, 6 million plants, 750,000 minerals, and extensive holdings in zoology, botany, palaeontology, mineralogy, and entomology.
The museum is also a world-leading research institution with over 300 scientists studying biodiversity, evolution, planetary science, and sustainability.
Dinosaurs
Complete dinosaur skeletons including T. rex, Triceratops, and Stegosaurus with animatronics
📍 Blue Zone
Mammals with Voices
Blue whale model, African elephants, and giant sloth with interactive soundscapes
📍 Blue Zone
The Vault: Treasures of the Natural World
Rare gems, minerals, and meteorites in stunning displays
📍 Green Zone
Human Evolution
7 million years of human origins and development
📍 Green Zone
Earth's Treasury
Minerals, rocks, and gems showcasing Earth's geological diversity
📍 Red Zone
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Experience the power of Earth's forces with earthquake simulator
📍 Red Zone
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
