Natural History Museum Overview
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington began its life as the natural history section of the British Museum, featuring the collections of London physician and collector Sir Hans Sloane, who wished his collection to remain together to benefit as many people as possible after his death. Following a competition to choose the architect of the new building, Captain Robert Fowke drew up the original designs, seeing the museum as a cathedral of science, hence its church-like appearance. When he died in 1865, his work was continued by Alfred Waterhouse, who was responsible for the elaborate Romanesque carvings of animals and plants throughout the building. The Natural History Museum moved into its new home in 1883, since which time it has considerably increased the size of its collections, perhaps most famously to include the dinosaur gallery, where visitors can see huge dinosaur skeletons and even an animated T-Rex. The Earth Galleries explore the effects human life has on the planet around us and how scientists harness the resources we use in our everyday lives, as well as featuring displays of minerals and gemstones and an earthquake simulator. The Life Galleries allow visitors to explore human biology, Darwin's theory of natural selection and to see an enormous life-size model of a blue whale. There are also regular exhibitions, and outside the building, the wildlife garden provides an opportunity to discover British wildlife in the heart of London.
Opening Times
Mon-Sat 1000-1750, Sun 1100-1750. Last admission 1730.
Admission Fees
Free.
Contact Addresses
Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
Tel: (020) 7942 5000 (Mon-Fri) or 7942 5011 (Sat-Sun). E-mail: visitor@nhm.ac.uk
Website: www.nhm.ac.uk
Transportation
Air: London Heathrow Airport, London Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport. Rail: Train: London Paddington Station, London Victoria Station or London Waterloo Station. Underground: South Kensington (Circle, District or Piccadilly lines). Road: Bus: Public services. Car: M1 (from Leeds); A1 (M) (from Newcastle or Edinburgh); M4 (from Bristol, Reading or South Wales); M3 (from Southampton).
Location
United Kingdom
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