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The Natural History Museum is known for its spectacular exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, ancient fossils, and the famous blue whale model. Visitors should explore the Dinosaur Gallery, Earth Hall, and the Hintze Hall. The museum also offers various interactive exhibits and temporary exhibitions, making it an educational and fun experience for all ages.
The Natural History Museum boasts a rich collection, boasting approximately 40 million specimens of plants, animals, rocks, and minerals from around the world. Spanning over 40,000 square meters, the museum boasts 20 large exhibition halls. The central hall houses the Modern Life Sciences Hall, which uses 3D landscapes and display cases to explore evolution and anthropology. Notable collections include the world's largest squid and a cursed gem. In 2006, the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine co-hosted the 2006 Wildlife Photo of the Year.
Suitable for all seasons;
It has a temperate oceanic climate with small temperature differences between the four seasons. The summers are cool and the winters are warm. The air is humid with frequent rain and fog, especially in autumn and winter.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Nearby attractions: National Gallery, Oxford Street, Thames River, London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, etc.
free
10:00-17:50; Last admission: 17:30 (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
The Natural History Museum in London, established in 1881, is one of the world's largest and most important museums dedicated to natural history. It houses over 80 million specimens, covering various aspects of life on Earth, from prehistoric times to the present day. Its iconic architecture is a blend of Romanesque and Victorian styles, making it both a scientific and architectural landmark.
The museum is located on Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London. It is easily accessible by the London Underground (South Kensington Station), which connects to the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines. Buses and taxis also serve the area, and it’s a short walk from the station to the museum.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon when it's less crowded. Weekends and school holidays tend to be busier, so early visits are recommended.
Entry to the museum is free, although special exhibitions may require a ticket purchase. Tickets for temporary exhibitions can be bought online or at the museum’s ticket desk. It is recommended to book tickets in advance for popular exhibitions.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for temporary exhibitions, particularly during peak seasons. You can usually book tickets up to a few weeks in advance, depending on the exhibition.
A typical visit to the Natural History Museum takes around 2 to 3 hours. However, if you wish to explore all the exhibits in detail, it may take up to 4 hours or more.
The must-see highlights include the Dinosaur Gallery, where the life-size T. rex model stands, the Blue Whale in Hintze Hall, and the Earth Hall, which showcases the planet’s geological history. Don’t miss the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition (if available), and the Human Evolution exhibit.
Guided tours are available, and audio guides can be rented at the museum entrance. The audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German.
The best photography spots include the towering Diplodocus in the Central Hall and the Blue Whale in Hintze Hall. The museum’s ornate architecture also provides stunning backdrops for photos, especially from the front entrance.
Start with the Central Hall to admire the dinosaur skeletons, then move on to the Earth Hall for a journey through the planet’s history. Afterward, explore the Human Evolution exhibit and the various temporary exhibitions before finishing with the iconic Blue Whale in Hintze Hall.
While the museum doesn’t typically offer night visits, it does host special events such as “Lates” (evening openings) on certain dates, where visitors can enjoy the exhibits with a drink and live entertainment. Special tours may also be available during these events.
The museum can be crowded, especially during weekends and school holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, particularly in the mornings right after opening or later in the afternoon, just before closing.
The museum has several toilets, rest areas, and cafes. There are water refill stations available, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs related to the museum’s exhibits.
The museum is fully accessible to disabled visitors with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. There are also baby-changing facilities and strollers are allowed. It’s a family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits suitable for children.
Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted throughout the museum, including in cafes, shops, and for special exhibitions. It’s not necessary to use cash.
The museum has several cafes inside, offering sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Nearby, you can find restaurants like the famous “The Kensington Creperie” and “Café Forty One.”
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in the museum’s cafes and nearby restaurants, including plant-based and halal-friendly dishes.
Nearby accommodations include The Kensington Hotel, Radisson Blu Edwardian, and The Ampersand Hotel, all within walking distance of the museum.
Nearby attractions include the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and Hyde Park. These can easily be combined into a day trip in the South Kensington area.
Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the museum offering items like educational books, dinosaur-themed toys, fossils, and natural history-related gifts.
After visiting the museum, the best transportation options include the London Underground (South Kensington Station), buses, or taxis. Walking to nearby attractions like Hyde Park and the V&A Museum is also a good option.
