London - Explore the Natural History Museum
New Darwin Centre, Dinosaurs, Wildlife Garden, Mammoth Blue Whale
Aug 16, 2009
This world-famous London museum is a fine example of Victorian architecture at its best. Its fabulous entrance tells us this is a special place. Just inside is something that thrills kids from around the world, and grownups too. This is the giant, full scale, skeleton of Diplodocus the dinosaur, affectionately known as “Dippy” which stretches 85 feet across the huge entrance hall. This, and the rest of the dinosaur collection is a big draw. Don't miss the new Darwin Centre.
Natural History Museum London - History
The Natural History Museum has more than 250 years of history behind it, although it did not actually open to the public as a museum until 1881. It all started when an 18th-century physician and collector, Sir Hans Sloane, left his large collection of specimens to the nation, with the proviso that it should not be broken up. The collection has been described as “eccentric” and contained plant specimens, human skeletons, archeological remains, plus much more. It was huge. In 1756 his collection was placed in Montagu House, which eventually became the first home of the British Museum.
In time, the growth in the collections at the fledgling British Museum meant that a separate natural history museum was sorely needed. This eventually came about in 1881. The 19th-century Romanesque-style building stands on four acres of land in Kensington, today one of London’s most wealthy areas.
Natural History Museum - The Darwin Centre
Specimens collected by Darwin himself make up a significant part of the National History Museum collections and in September 2009 a fantastic new addition will open. It will house the Museum's unique collection of 17 million insects and three million plants, as well as working laboratories for 220 scientists from all over the world. The modern glass structure is interesting and innovative. The collection is protected by being housed in a cocoon-shaped structure, which itself is enclosed in an 8-story glass atrium.
Natural History Museum for Kids
This is a great museum for kids. The dinosaur exhibition, where a robotic T rex roars into life, is a big draw as is the section on ‘Creepy Crawlies’. In the Large Mammals hall, there’s a mammoth blue whale skeleton and a 25 foot long frozen squid named “Archie.” 'The Power Within” offers an 'earthquake experience' and, 'Investigate' is an exciting new hands-on science centre. And don’t forget the new Darwin Centre. Lots of stuff for kids there too.
Natural History Museum - Wildlife Garden
The Wildlife Garden is a captivating addition to the other attractions of the museum. It is the Natural History Museum’s only living exhibition. Set in the southwest corner of the Museum grounds, the garden reveals a range of British lowland habitats, including woodland, meadow and pond, and beautifully demonstrates the potential for wildlife conservation in the inner city.
The garden includes more than 300 native species of flowering plant and attracts 50 species of garden birds. Since the garden opened in 1995, 18 species of butterfly and 465 species of moth have been recorded. Other regular, non-human visitors include foxes, bats and squirrels. this is a truly tranquil spot in the heart of the city.
Entrance to the Natural History Museum is free, however there is a charge for some temporary exhibits. It gets very busy during the summer and school holidays - early in the day is the best time. Often visitors don’t realise just how big this place is and you need plenty of time. Best to do a bit of research ahead of your visit - choose what you really want to see and try to stick to it.
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