spirit collection tours

Spirit Collection

Our spirit collection consists of over 76,000 plant specimens preserved in fluid and stored in glass jars..

About our Spirit Collection

The collection is rich in diversity, with more than 370 families represented and including 1,600 types. Our Spirit Collection is probably the largest botanical spirit collection in the world, it is also one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of orchids in spirit. The collection also houses the mycology spirit collection which contains more than 1,250 specimens with representatives from many genera.

Preserving specimens

Spirit preserved material is used where drying, pressing and mounting on a herbarium sheet is unsuitable, particularly where observation of the three-dimensional arrangement of flower parts or fruits are required.

Fluid preservation is the chemical stabilisation of tissue to prevent autolysis. Fixation is used to prevent post mortem changes in the specimen, to stop cells breaking down after death. The fixative forms covalent bonds between molecules. Preservation refers to the maintenance of the specimen in a stable and usable condition by inhibiting enzymatic and microbial attack.

History of the collection

The Spirit Collection was started in 1930 by Victor Summerhayes, who was a curator of the Orchid Herbarium at the time. The existing specimens were incorporated into one collection; some date as far back as the 1830s and include a number of specimens collected in India in the 1850s by former Director of Kew, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker. 

The Spirit Collection is housed in a purpose-built, temperature-controlled store fitted with mobile banks of metal drawers to maximise storage. The larger jars (2,000 and 3,000ml) are stored on fixed metal shelving in enclosed cupboards to reduce the impact of UV light. Jar sizes range from 70ml to 3,000ml, with some out-sized jars for specimens such as the flowers and fruits of  Aristolochia grandiflora  and  Musa lolodensis .

The collection is maintained at between 12–15°C and 50% humidity: this temperature reduces evaporation and lowers the likelihood of fire. Adjacent to the store is a laboratory, where spirit specimen preparation work (including topping up and preparing new accessions from the Living Collection) is carried out.

The collection is arranged in specimen number order, according to jar size. This non-systematic arrangement removes the need to continually re-arrange the collection according to revisions and  maximises storage.

Use of the collection

Many specimens in the Spirit Collection have associated herbarium sheets, carpological material and DNA voucher specimens in the Herbarium and Jodrell Laboratory. The collection continues to grow with material incorporated from overseas fieldwork and from our Living Collection.

The collection is used mainly for taxonomic research by staff and specialists from around the world. But it is also a valuable source of material for non-taxonomic research, and as such is used by a wide range of scientists, artists and students.

Many specimens have been used for botanical illustration, as spirit material retains a life-like appearance and have appeared in  Curtis's Botanical Magazine .

Access to the collections

The  Herbarium Catalogue (HerbCat)  holds records of all specimens in the collection and can be searched by many categories including plant name, plant collector and country. 

The Spirit Collection is open to academic visitors upon request and to the public via special events such as open days. Spirit material can also occasionally be viewed on display in the Herbarium reception or the Library reading room exhibitions.

Contact via the Herbarium

Herbarium Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew  Richmond TW9 3AE  UK

Email:  [email protected]

Discover more

Science Collections Strategy

For the first time in Kew’s history, there is a formal strategy to set out a framework for managing, developing and providing greater access to the Science Collections over the next decade.

Kew's Science Strategy

Read the Kew Science Strategy 2021 - 2025.

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Inside the Natural History Museum Spirit Collection

One of the top must-see museums in London, it’s a firm favourite for tourists as well as locals because of the family-friendly exhibits. However, most Londoners don’t know you can also book onto a behind-the-scenes tour! Allow me to introduce The Spirit Collection .

The Spirit Collection

The name ‘spirit’ is a reference to the (highly alcoholic) liquid used to preserve natural specimens. If you want to get technical, it’s about 70% ethanol – so not drinkable! This conveniently means it’s not taxable, making it comparatively cheap.

A baby Fin Whale

Within the Spirit Collection, each category of animal has a floor, vertebrates on one, fish on the other etc. In total there’s about 23 million specimen!

We descend into the basement, passing rows upon rows of archive shelving. Each of these are stacked with different curiosities.

A “False” Vampire Bat, meaning it doesn’t drink blood.

The Tank Room

The highlight is the Tank Room, where they keep specimen too large for anywhere else.

It’s mainly sea creatures, specifically fish. Rows upon rows of fish.

On the far right is a Coelacanth. Incredibly rare, the fish can grow up to 2m and live for 60 years. They were thought to be extinct and haven’t changed for over 55 million years! When found in the ocean it’s actually a dark blue, but the spirit bleaches the scales. Our guide likened its discovery in 1938 to stumbling across a dinosaur in the forest!

Another intriguing find was the friendly-sounding Cookiecutter Shark .  It’s anything but cuddly.

Burying itself in the sand, the shark lies in wait until something big stumbles past. It then launches itself out of its hiding place, taking a bite out of the unsuspecting passerby.

These are its jaws. *Gulp*.

Indiscriminately attacking anything, it will even take a chunk out of bigger sharks! Can you spot the round sore by its mouth? That’s why it’s called the Cookiecutter, nice huh?!

The Giant Squid

The hero of the tour though, has to be ‘ Archie ‘, the museum’s very own Giant Squid.

Capable of growing up to 13m long, Archie isn’t full size. But still takes up a sizeable chunk of the room!

With eyes the size of dinner plates, Archie was found in 2004 off the coast of the Faulkland Islands.

He was at a depth of 250m, far shallower than their usual habitat and so was probably already close to death when he was picked up by the fishing trawler. Imagine their surprise!

The hour-long tour is such a great way of feeling like an insider in your own town. I certainly learnt plenty of new things about the Natural History Museum!

If you’re interested tours of the Spirit Collection, available most days, can be booked here for £10.

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Behind the scenes London: The Natural History Museum's Spirit Collection tour

As Londoners, we naturally sometimes think twice before visiting our wondrous museums . Why? Well, because they are always incredibly busy, and worse, full of children - germ alert.

We want to change this ill thought perception, especially with regards to one of our national treasures, the Natural History Museum .

Since 1881, the glorious architectural gem has inspired thousands of budding entomologists, palaeontologists, mineralogists, botanists, taxidermists and zoologists with its world renowned collection of dinosaur skeletons, ancient artefacts, and mind boggling exhibitions .

Unbeknown to many, they actually keep the coolest stuff out the back where you can't see it. They assure us it's nothing against you. On the contrary, it's because real-life scientists spend thousands of hours studying the museum 's mammoth collection of specimens.

In total, the collection tallies 80 million creatures, plants, and bones, 20 million of which are held in special tanks, vases and all sorts of other weird and wonderful containers, many of which you can go and see for yourself in The Spirit Room.

The Spirit Room

It's quite impressive, isn't it?

Well, Ollie definitely thinks so. He's been at the museum for 45 years and is the Natural History Museum's senior fish curator.

Here he is getting cosy with the jaws of a giant great white shark.

Like us, he's obsessed with animals, especially fish. He's worked with the likes of Damien Hirst (remember his formaldehyde sharks - Ollie helped him do it), films crews, journalists and the odd documentary celeb , or two.

For an hour he showed us all sorts on what the museum dubs the Spirit Collection tour . Think huge tuna, deep sea angler fish and loads of other fascinating dead things in jars - some hundreds of years old, and others caught just the other day.

One of the most impressive things Ollie showed us was Archie - the 8.62 metre giant squid.

Back in 2004, his colleague and curator of molluscs John Ablett got a random call asking him if he wanted a giant squid which was caught off the coast of the Falkland Islands. The person on the other end of the phone wanted to know if the museum wanted it, and to cut a long but interesting story short, John said yes.

A few thousand nautical miles later, Archie now lies lengthways in the middle of the Spirit Room, her impressively large body and legs preserved in a giant tank for us all to gawp at.

Amazingly, she's not alone in the tank. As you'll see in our little video, at the other end of the tank Ollie pointed out the remains of half of a baby colossal squid - a sea creature even rarer than Archie.

Since the beginning of time, an adult 'Colossal has never been caught whole' Ollie told us. Science folk say they can probably grow up to 20 metres in length. All we know, is that the baby housed inside the Natural History Museum was big. Too big for our liking.

As for Archie, her stats are just impressive. The pink sea dwellers massive eyes are 23cm in diameter and her tentacles stretch the length of a small bus.

Here's a full length picture just in case you don't believe us:

Aside from Archie, Ollie showed us lots of other really cool things, too.

There's this scary looking shark...

This huge sunfish ...

And a rather terrifying Anglerfish that gave us and all the other Nemos in the house nightmares...

Dotted about the place you'll notice all sorts of weird looking jars, too.

There are bizarre shark heads, komodo dragons, lizards, octopuses, manta rays, and even one that contains a load of monkeys.

Oh and snakes. Lots and lots of snakes...

Not all of them can be stuffed into the glasses, though.

If a creature is too big, Ollie tells us they have to put it in one of the giant metal tanks in the centre of the room.

To keep everything looking ship shape, the lidded baths are filled with methylated spirits.

Some, house several species.

For instance, The one Ollie showed us contained a massive bluefin tuna, shark, sting ray, sun fish and a very scary looking monkfish.

One of them even contains a mountain gorilla, but Ollie tells us he is very, very heavy - sadly, he couldn't take him out for us.

So, here's the big question: why is it all kept behind the scenes? Simple - these precious specimens need to kept inside a room that is specially designed to filter out all its flammable vapours - something Hintze hall (the main cavernous section of the building), sadly cannot do.

Another obvious reason is that some of the things are just way too big to be put on show, but also because the collection is mainly designed for research purposes. Simply put, the Spirit Collection is basically a really awesome library of dead things scientists use to find out more about the world and the creatures that inhabit it.

Since its inception hundreds of years ago, white coats far and wide have visited to study, observe and conduct research on the millions of specimens found throughout the collection.

Some of the most prized are those collected by Charles Darwin on the voyage of the Beagle back in the 1830s. If you're in the know, this is a pretty big deal as it is was one of the most important scientific expeditions in the history of all things.

One of the best parts of the whole tour is that you can actually see these special little critters for yourself.

'He [Darwin] collected them in the Cape Verde islands', Ollie told us. 'Some of them probably used to conjure up his theory of evolution.'

When you visit, you'll notice that all of the Darwin jars have yellow lids. This is because they're known as 'type specimens' - the original that's used to describe an entire species!

At the time, Darwin was clueless about half of the things he was collecting, so he just bottled them up and brought them back home. Thankfully, a bloke called Leonard Jenyns identified them years later and named them all in a book.

Everything the celebrated naturalist collected is mostly furry (monkeys for example), but there's also a cute little octopus, too. Ask, and a curator will happily point the little fella out.

To sum the place up in a nutshell, it's cool. Very, very cool. And for 10 quid, it's probably one of the best semi-secret things you can do in the capital.

The new museums opening in London in 2018

If you decide to visit, you'll be following in the footsteps of Tom Cruise, Isabella Rosselini and Her Majesty, The Queen .

Tweet us @esgolondon and tell us what you thought.

The Spirit Collection Tour is at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 5BD. Tickets cost £10 and can be booked here .

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Spirit Collection Tour - Natural History Museum

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Spirit Collection Tour

Went here with a couple of friends for an afternoon as we are slowly working our way round the free sites of London. We were only there for a couple of hours before our tour so we limited ourselves to a few of the highlights like the vault and the mammal (whale) room before heading down to the new Darwin building. You have to book on the spirit collection tour by calling or visiting the information desk on the day to book a place. Only around 10 people are allowed on each tour, with only a few tours a day. They provide free use of lockers during the tour as you're not allowed bags or cameras. It was really interesting to see some of the labs and the collections but the most impressive bit was the tank room where the larger specimens are kept, including the giant squid in it's 9m long tank. There are also some of Darwin's original samples from the Beagle. Our tour guide was well informed too and good at answering any questions we had, she knew the story behind some of the key samples, some of which were quite funny and surprising.

This is a beautiful building full of interesting things about the earth and people. Good interactive things for the kids to do. There are volunteers around explaining small aspects of natural history, stop and chat as they make the day. You can take your own food and drinks, there are planty of benches inside to stop and rest on. Food is London price, £3.90 for 2 tins coke, £2.50 pot tea. Cafe is basic but nice food presentation, there is a seated resturant serving pizza etc...looked good but we didn't eat there. Plenty of clean toilets scattered around, and a cloackroom to store coats and small bags. We went for about 12 ish...saw all we needed to before closing. It is a tiring day so wear good shoes !! Get off at the south kensington tube and a beautiful underpass brings you out by the science museum right next door. It is free...there are pots for donation if you want to. It is like "night at the museum" when you are there stood next to Dippy the dinosaur.

We actually ended up spending parts of two days here because we liked it so much. Very well presented and maintained displays. Very educational but also not boring. Plus, it's free! Great for the "occasional" rainy day in London. Great with kids or without.

Nearly every single photography in this temporary exhibition (hope it tours) had me gasping with amazement. Either for the content, colour, mood, action or art direction (thinking of the fox pouncing in the snow and half cropped out of the picture). I came home with so many post cards I could hardly carry them! It was so worth going to. Again and again if I lived in London.

This reminds me very much of New York's Natural History museum, so much to see and do with exhibits ranging from the smallest Humming Bird egg to the largest dinosaur skeleton. There are so many fascinating things to see that I would need a week to get round them all. As it was the two hours I spent here merely wetted my appetite. Speaking of which there are a number of eateries here that seem to provide good food at a reasonable price.

The building is superb both from the outside and inside. As has been said, it does seem to pander to children particularly now that it's half term. That said, it is still a fascinating museum and well worth a visit especially for those interested in photography as they are currently (as they have done in previous years) showing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. While this is a separate, paid for, exibition it's a good enough reason to visit. Be prepared to queue for a while if you arrive at a busy period as they sometimes regulate the numbers of people entering. As it's so easy to get to and near so many other museums, this should not be missed.

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Botany Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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Spirit Collection

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The Spirit Collection contains approximately 35,000 vials of flowers and other plant parts in preservative fluids making it the largest such collection in the western hemisphere and second largest in the world (after Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, U.K.). The Selby Gardens collection numbers with nearly 33,000 vials of the orchid family (Orchidaceae); 2000 vials of gesneriads (Gesneriaceae); and 300 vials of bromeliads (Bromeliaceae). The preservative fluid has 70 parts denatured alcohol, 27 parts water, and 3 parts glycerin.

The collection contains important specimens prepared by G.C.K. Dunsterville, Carlyle A. Luer, Calaway Dodson, Alexander Hirtz, Rodrigo Escobar, and Alexander Hirtz. Significant new additions (since 2006) to the collection are from Katherine Gregg (Catasetiinae) and Leslie Garay, providing several thousand new specimens. The spirit collection includes many type specimens.

The Gardens, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF DBI-0138615), completed a project in 2004 to extend the lifetime of the Spirit Collection. The work included replacement of trays, vials, metal caps, and liners. To improve inventory and tracking of the collection, a bar code was applied to each vial.

The Spirit Collection is available for consultation by all qualified researchers. For more information, please contact us.

Curation of the Spirit Collection was made possible through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF DBI-0138615).

7 Things to See and Do at London's Natural History Museum

Written by Bryan Dearsley Sep 14, 2020

The original nucleus of the Natural History Museum, which was founded in 1754 and moved to its present building in 1881, was formed by the scientific collections of Sir Hans Sloane .

The museum - a palatial building in Romanesque style - was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and is an impressive 675 feet long, with two 190-foot-high towers. Its exterior is faced with terra-cotta slabs bearing relief figures of animals.

Chief among its many artifacts is its original collection of more than 50,000 books, 10,000 preserved animals, and 334 volumes of pressed plant species. The collection has since grown to include more than 80 million items covering zoology, paleontology, mineralogy, entomology, and botany, with a further 500,000 added each year.

The museum is also a center for scientific research specializing in conservation and has many collections of historical value, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin .

Other famous collections include those of Joseph Banks, who accompanied James Cook around the world, as well as three volumes of zoological drawings and 18 volumes of botanical watercolor studies donated by artist Sydney Parkinson.

Widely recognized as the world's largest and most important center for research into natural history and its many related fields, London's Natural History Museum is one of the top places to visit in London and deserves to feature highly on any tourist's itinerary.

Getting around the museum to find areas of interest is relatively easy thanks to the implementation of colored zones. The Red Zone focuses on the evolving history of our planet, the Green Zone displays fossils and marine life exhibits, the Blue Zone features dinosaur exhibits, and the Orange Zone has a wildlife garden and the new Darwin Centre. (Check out the handy map on the museum's website for locations of each zone.)

To get the most from your visit to this popular tourist attraction, be sure to refer often to our list of the best things to see and do at London's Natural History Museum.

2. The Earth Hall

3. minerals, the origin of species & human evolution, 5. dinosaurs, 6. the darwin centre, 7. after hours & late night visits, the behind-the-scenes spirit collection tour, what's nearby.

The northwest corner of the ground floor is devoted to mammals, including whales, as well as examples of extinct mammals. The lower floor is devoted to land mammals, including giraffes, elephants, hippos, and their early relatives, while the upper gallery focuses on mammals living in water.

Other notable things to see include exhibits related to the first ever mammals to have wandered the Earth, as well as Australian species (living and extinct).

The Earth Hall has an extensive and interesting collection of material on the geology and minerals of the world. Regular lectures and film shows are offered on particular subjects, and in the Main Hall, a rotating globe, six feet in diameter, serves as a reminder of the museum's purpose: to tell the "Story of the Earth."

Visitor experiences include a simulation of an earthquake, as well as a collection of gems showing the stones in their natural state and after being cut and polished.

A special display illustrates the story of "Britain before Man," and other sections are concerned with the regional geology of Britain and the economic mineralogy of the world. Specimens of rocks brought back from the moon by the spacecraft Apollo are also on display.

The first floor accommodates exhibits focusing on the origin of species and human evolution, and explores natural selection and Darwin's theories.

The Mineral Gallery contains some 130,000 specimens, representing some 75 percent of the world's known minerals. Also in this gallery is a collection of meteorites, including the huge 3.5-ton Cranbourne meteorite from Australia.

The adjacent gallery shows "Our Place in Evolution" and exhibits the remains of "Lucy," the Australopithecus discovered in Ethiopia in 1974 and believed to be between 1.5 and five million years old.

The long corridor through the department of fossilized mammals leads to a room devoted to the balance of nature and the environment. Interesting facts may be discovered about acid rain and the interaction of forest and coastal ecosystems.

The Iguanodon and Hypsilophodon are just two of the excellent dinosaurs on display at the Natural History Museum. Several other skeletons from all corners of the world are found here as well. Popular exhibits include part of one of the first T-Rexes unearthed, as well as a triceratops skull.

The museum's newest addition is the Darwin Centre. Home to millions of preserved specimens, as well as numerous educational opportunities, it's notable for its shape, which resembles a giant eight-story cocoon. The building houses the museum's entomology and botanical collections, as well as Archie, its famous giant squid.

Another highlight is the Attenborough Studio, a multimedia attraction featuring regular showings of historic films and documentaries from the museum's vast film archives.

One of the most interesting times to visit the Natural History Museum is after the crowds have dispersed at the end of the day. These unique nighttime visits to the Central Hall and other galleries include opportunities to enjoy the museum's food and beverage outlets.

Occasional "sleepovers" are also available and often include a sumptuous three-course meal, live music, and movies. Sleepovers for kids are also available.

One of the best tour options available at the Natural History Museum focuses on the spectacular Darwin Centre's Zoology building. The Behind-the-Scenes Spirit Collection Tour takes you on an exploration of the building's nearly 17 miles of specimen- and book-stacked shelves, including items collected by Charles Darwin.

The tours are suitable for kids over eight. For those wanting to go it alone, handheld guides are available with content suitable for both adults and children.

• Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London
• www.nhm.ac.uk

There's no shortage of excellent visitor attractions within walking distance of the always-popular Natural History Museum. One of the nearest is the superb Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A). Covering nearly 13 acres and containing 145 galleries spanning some 5,000 years of art, the V&A's permanent collections include ceramics and glass, textiles and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints and photos.

The Science Museum is also close by. So, too, is England's most famous concert hall, the Royal Albert Hall , built in 1871 as a memorial to Queen Victoria's husband.

A little further afield (but no more than 25 minutes' walk) is Buckingham Palace , the London residence of the Royal Family, the Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park , covering some 350 acres - London's largest open space.

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The Natural History Museum’s spirit collections are open to tours from the public

• 26 August 2021
• Matthew Chalmers
• Follow @SW_Londoner

The Natural History Museum in Kensington is running public tours of its spirit collections, which are normally inaccessible to the public.

The spirit collections are comprised of over twenty two millions specimens preserved in spirit inside jars, and represent around three hundred years of contributions to science and zoology.

They contain several one-off specimens like Archie the giant squid, the largest wet preserved specimen in the world, an octopus captured by Charles Darwin whilst he was aboard the Beagle, and the only spirit specimen of the now extinct Fijian bar-winged rail in the world.

The tour will take you through the highlights of the extensive collections, where you will learn about how specimens are preserved and the extensive history of the collection and its contributors.

SWL spoke to Jon Ablett, Senior Curator of Mollusca at the museum, to find out more.

You can purchase tickets for tours of the spirit collections here .

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Natural History Museum

Walk with dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is one of the city’s most fascinating museums. It contains over 80 million life and earth science specimens within its vast collection, making it a must-see for anyone visiting London.

• Visit with Hope the Blue Whale skeleton that measures 25m and weighs in at 4.5 tonnes!
• Spend time in the Darwin Centre and learn about Archie the giant squid; patrons are able to book special tours via the Spirit Collection Tours and see specimens such as Archie that are not usually available for public display.
• Explore the West Lawn Gardens, home to many different plants and insects, including a potential new species called Arocatus roeselii that was discovered in 2007.

Tickets & Prices

Dive into the wonders of the natural world at London’s Natural History Museum, where history comes to life through its vast and varied collection. From the age of dinosaurs to human evolution, embark on a journey across time with expert guides ready to unveil the mysteries of our planet.

• Guided Tour – Benefit from the knowledge of a tour guide who will take you through the museum’s most famous exhibits, including the massive dinosaur skeletons and the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery.
• Semi-Private Guided Tour – Enjoy a more intimate exploration of the museum with a small group, led by an expert guide. This tour covers the museum’s highlights, offering insights into its 80 million specimens.

Things to Keep in Mind

• While the tours offer a comprehensive overview of the museum’s collections, gratuities for the guide are optional and not included in the ticket price.
• Food and drink are not covered, so plan accordingly for meals before or after your visit.
• Headsets may be provided during the tour to ensure you can hear the guide clearly, especially useful in busier sections of the museum.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the museum covers a large area with much to see and explore.
• The museum can get crowded, especially during peak times. Following your guide closely will ensure you don’t miss any fascinating facts or exhibits.

What to see and do

Who doesn’t love dinosaurs? The museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn about these prehistoric creatures in an up-close and personal way! From skeletal replicas that give viewers an insight into how dinosaurs looked and how they lived during their time on earth, to multimedia quizzes and other interactive videos and activities, this exhibition is a must-see for everyone, not just dino fans! Learn about the fossils that led to the discovery of this animal species in the 1800s. Find out what caused their extinction, and find out more about the over 300 different types of dinos.

Learn about possible life on Mars by spending time in the Space exhibitions located within the museum. This area also has information on meteorites, and visitors can examine moon rocks and specimens that are older than our own solar system. Stargazers will love learning more about fireballs and other scientific phenomena that are visible in the skies above Great Britain. There are learning modules focused on interplanetary volcanoes, asteroids, and the images returned to Earth from the many rovers currently being used in space exploration.

Learn more about the many specimens of flora and fauna that exist in the United Kingdom, especially on the British Isles. The outdoor gardens housed at the Museum provide a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the natural world that surrounds us. From invasive species to new discoveries of plant and insect species, the museum is the perfect place to find out more about the species with which we share our planet. Children and adults alike can learn more about ways to help preserve nature in their own local areas.

Special Collections and Exhibitions

Due to the vast amount of specimens housed at the museum, )over 80 million!), it’s impossible for all of them to be on display at any one time. Because of this, the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to see parts of the collection that aren’t on display. Whether you opt for a Spirit Collection Tour or choose to remain in the main areas of the museum, you are in for a treat!

We recommend the 12 Highlights of the Treasures Gallery as a great overview of the museum’s collection. In fact, there are special exhibits for all of the institution’s main study areas, including botany, space, dinosaurs, reptiles, flowers and wildlife, and more!

There are special exhibitions that rotate throughout the yearly calendar, so it makes sense to visit the museum more times than once!

Did you know: (4 interesting facts!)

• The Museum was the centre point of a six-episode BBC documentary series created in 2010 entitled Museum of Life . This series let viewers into the fascinating world located at the Museum, including both the history of the institution along with fascinating behind the scenes footage and information.
• This museum is part of the three main museums that are located on Exhibition Road: the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Science Museum.
• Botany, Entomology, Mineralogy, Paleontology, and Zoology are the five main collection areas encompassing over 80 million specimens all housed within the Museum!
• Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge is a patron of the institution which employs over 850 people.
• 1881 – the Natural History Museum broke off from the British Museum in 1963. The institution was built upon the collections of Sir Hans Sloane who sold his specimens to the British Government well below their market value. None of the original specimens exist today.
• 1881 to 1883 – the museum moves into its new building constructed by Alfred Waterhouse. The new structure is known for its use of terracotta tiles and its Romanesque style.
• 2002 – Phase One of the new Darwin Centre is opened to the public.
• 2017 – the replica dinosaur skeleton affectionately nicknamed “Dippy” is removed from the museum after being on display for 112 years.
• 2020 – a new, state-of-the-art multimedia centre named after popular conservationist Sir David Attenborough, the Attenborough Studio is underway.

Facilities and accessibility

The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington and is accessible by both London Underground (South Kensington station) and the bus, utilizing the Victoria & Albert Museum or the Kensington Museums stops, both of which are wheelchair accessible by using the Museum Lane entrance on the north side of the building.

There are a number of different volunteer opportunities as well as educational opportunities for teachers to take back to their classrooms. Memberships are available at a number of different levels, most of which provide discounts on food and gift shop purchases. Members can also access the exclusive Anning Rooms which provide a quiet space for study and reflection.

The Natural History Museum is separated into four zones, each of which houses specimens relating to a central theme. There are a variety of food options at the five restaurants and cafes located within the museum, one in each of the zones.

The museum is available for rental for private events and weddings through the Events Team.

Visitors can also purchase a memento from their day at the general gift shop, the boutique, and the store dedicated to all things dinosaur! Many of the items available for sale at the museum are also available for purchase from the online shop.

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Travel with spirit journeys worldwide.

We take the stress out of finding rejuvenating spirit journeys all around the world, we’ve been providing our clients with travel & excursion services for years, we look forward to helping you too. Our team have travelled extensively to all of our regions and bring a wealth of in-depth knowledge to holiday and tour planning.

We are highly committed to customer service excellence from the very first point of enquiry, we also offer a tailor-made holiday service for those who want something a little bit different or special.

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We have new tours launching all the time. sign up to get immediate updates here ., damanhur 09 jun, 2025, mysteries of damanhur, italy for licensed ministers and practitioners, damanhur 02 jun, 2025, magical damanhur – temples of humankind, tokyo 31 oct, 2024, tokyo add-on – experience the emerald city, s. france and chartres 17 sep, 2024, the inward journey – france 2024 with cynthia james, wild atlantic way 04 may, 2024, the wild atlantic way in ireland, japan 22 oct, 2024, ancient beauty, ancient wisdom tour with dr petra & rev michael, bali 20 sep, 2025, bali tour with rev liz luoma, cairo, aswan, & luxor 12 nov, 2024, spiritual journey to egypt – ancient egyptian wisdom meets contemporary spiritual philosophy, bali 01 sep, 2024, go with the flow in bali with jessica kolbe, machu picchu 18 apr, 2024, machu picchu tour april 18 – 26, 2024.

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Cruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake

Join us on a panoramic tour atop the crystal waters of Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Cruise along the scenic shores populated by towering peaks and roaming wildlife enroute to a spectacular overlook of Spirit Island.

We'll save your spot!

We recommend booking in advance as cruises often reach capacity. Reserve your spot before making the trip to Maligne Lake to avoid missing out!

2024 Dates: May 17, 2024 – October 13, 2024*

*Weather dependent

The Spirit Behind the Lake

Nestled in the heart of the mountains, Spirit Island is waiting to be discovered. Our cruises take you to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the iconic island, one of Canada’s most photographed locations.

Explore your own way

Chart your own course by canoe or kayak. Glide with the rhythm of the lake as you soak in the array of colours and scenery.

Lakeside dining done right

Find a variety of flavours on Maligne’s shores, from artfully crafted dishes at The View to the Lake House Café’s regionally sourced menu to a sweet or savoury snack from the Waffle Hut.

Save up to 40% by bundling Banff, Jasper and Golden's most iconic attractions with a Pursuit Pass.

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Discover the Ultimate Bourbon Experience: The 2024 Mint Julep Tour x Bardstown Collection VIP Tour

BARDSTOWN, KY. (April 25, 2024) – Bourbon aficionados, mark your calendars and prepare your palates for an unparalleled adventure through the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World®. The 2024 Mint Julep Tour x Bardstown Collection VIP Experience is set to deliver an exclusive, multi-day adventure that promises an unparalleled immersion into the world of bourbon, complete with VIP transportation, elevated tours, premium tastings, and guaranteed access to the highly coveted Bardstown Collection bottles from seven renowned distilleries.

Two times a month, for two days throughout June – August, participants will be treated to an unforgettable exploration of Bardstown, home to some of the most revered bourbon distilleries in the world. This exceptional tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Kentucky’s signature spirit. Each ticket includes the following:

Start-to-Finish Excellence

With meticulous attention to detail, Mint Julep Experiences ensures a seamless journey from start to finish. With a dedicated Bardstown Tourism tour leader guiding every step, guests can relax and immerse themselves in the ultimate bourbon experience.

VIP Transportation with Mint Julep Experiences

Guests will travel in style and comfort with VIP transportation services provided by Mint Julep Experiences. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kentucky as you’re chauffeured from one iconic distillery to the next.

All-Access Pass to 7 Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries

Gain exclusive access to seven of Kentucky’s most esteemed bourbon distilleries, including Bardstown Bourbon Co., Heaven Hill, James B. Beam Distilling Co., Limestone Branch Distillery, Log Still Distillery, Lux Row, and Preservation Distillery. Immerse yourself in behind-the-scenes tours, premium tastings, and hands-on experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the bourbon-making process.

Guaranteed Access to Purchase the 2024 Bardstown Collection Bottles

As VIP guests, participants will enjoy exclusive access to purchase the highly sought-after 2024 Bardstown Collection bottles from each participating distillery. This is the only other time to purchase these seven limited-edition releases. Bottle purchases are not included in the ticket price, ensuring that guests have the opportunity to add these rare gems to their collection.

Local Lunches and Gratuity Included

Savor the flavors of Kentucky with delicious, locally sourced lunches provided throughout the tour. With gratuity included, you can relax and enjoy the experience without any additional hassle.

Dates Tours Offered

June 20 & 21

June 27 & 28

July 11 & 12

July 18 & 19

August 8 & 9

August 22 & 23

Tickets for the 2024 Mint Julep Tours x Bardstown Collection VIP Experience are on sale now. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on an unparalleled immersion in the Bourbon Capital of the World.

For more information and tickets, go to bardstowncollection.com and https://mintjuleptours.com/louisville/bardstown-collection-multi-day-bourbon-experience/  

For hotel information and special Bardstown Collection rates, go to https://visitbardstown.com/listing/the-bardstown-collection-x-mint-julep-tour-experience/ . 

About Bardstown: Located in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown offers the ultimate bourbon getaway. With 11 unique distilleries within 16 miles of court square, all your bourbon dreams can come true here in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of The World. Settled in 1780,

Bardstown is Kentucky’s second-oldest city so come see us for our unrivaled history. Throughout Nelson County, there are more than 300 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, with nearly 200 of them located in the historic downtown district. Here in Bardstown, you’ll find the friendly attitude and Southern charm that can only be found in such a town.

For more information, go to www.VisitBardstown.com . 

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Spirit Collection Tour - Natural History Museum

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Spirit Collection Tour

Went here with a couple of friends for an afternoon as we are slowly working our way round the free sites of London. We were only there for a couple of hours before our tour so we limited ourselves to a few of the highlights like the vault and the mammal (whale) room before heading down to the new Darwin building. You have to book on the spirit collection tour by calling or visiting the information desk on the day to book a place. Only around 10 people are allowed on each tour, with only a few tours a day. They provide free use of lockers during the tour as you're not allowed bags or cameras. It was really interesting to see some of the labs and the collections but the most impressive bit was the tank room where the larger specimens are kept, including the giant squid in it's 9m long tank. There are also some of Darwin's original samples from the Beagle. Our tour guide was well informed too and good at answering any questions we had, she knew the story behind some of the key samples, some of which were quite funny and surprising.

This is a beautiful building full of interesting things about the earth and people. Good interactive things for the kids to do. There are volunteers around explaining small aspects of natural history, stop and chat as they make the day. You can take your own food and drinks, there are planty of benches inside to stop and rest on. Food is London price, £3.90 for 2 tins coke, £2.50 pot tea. Cafe is basic but nice food presentation, there is a seated resturant serving pizza etc...looked good but we didn't eat there. Plenty of clean toilets scattered around, and a cloackroom to store coats and small bags. We went for about 12 ish...saw all we needed to before closing. It is a tiring day so wear good shoes !! Get off at the south kensington tube and a beautiful underpass brings you out by the science museum right next door. It is free...there are pots for donation if you want to. It is like "night at the museum" when you are there stood next to Dippy the dinosaur.

We actually ended up spending parts of two days here because we liked it so much. Very well presented and maintained displays. Very educational but also not boring. Plus, it's free! Great for the "occasional" rainy day in London. Great with kids or without.

Nearly every single photography in this temporary exhibition (hope it tours) had me gasping with amazement. Either for the content, colour, mood, action or art direction (thinking of the fox pouncing in the snow and half cropped out of the picture). I came home with so many post cards I could hardly carry them! It was so worth going to. Again and again if I lived in London.

This reminds me very much of New York's Natural History museum, so much to see and do with exhibits ranging from the smallest Humming Bird egg to the largest dinosaur skeleton. There are so many fascinating things to see that I would need a week to get round them all. As it was the two hours I spent here merely wetted my appetite. Speaking of which there are a number of eateries here that seem to provide good food at a reasonable price.

The building is superb both from the outside and inside. As has been said, it does seem to pander to children particularly now that it's half term. That said, it is still a fascinating museum and well worth a visit especially for those interested in photography as they are currently (as they have done in previous years) showing the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. While this is a separate, paid for, exibition it's a good enough reason to visit. Be prepared to queue for a while if you arrive at a busy period as they sometimes regulate the numbers of people entering. As it's so easy to get to and near so many other museums, this should not be missed.

Rolls-Royce’s Stunning Spirit Of Expression Collection – A Must-See

Consisting of the phantom, ghost , and specter rolls royce spirit of collection to be revealed at the beijing motor show.

T he Rolls-Royce Spirit of Expression Collection, consisting of the Phantom, Ghost, and Specter, is set to be unveiled at the upcoming 2024 Beijing Motor Show: the Ghost Extended, Phantom Extended, and Specter.

The first collection produced by the Rolls-Royce Private Office in Shanghai, each vehicle carries a unique theme: the Specter embodies escapism, the Ghost Extended represents expressionism, and the Phantom Extended symbolizes magnetism.

Inspired by the South American tropic, starlight headliner in sunset color

The Specter, themed around escapism, takes its inspiration from the tropical regions of South America. This model combines Lantana Red and Tempest Gray in a two-tone exterior, with the 23-inch wheel centerpieces painted to match the Lantana Red body color.

Read more: Top 3 Hybrid SUVs of 2024 - Are They Worth the Buzz?

Inside the Specter, a combination of Selby Gray, Purple Silk, and Sunset Orange leather colors evokes the image of a tropical sunset, further featuring orange piping, contrast stitching, headrest monograms, and the standout Sunset Orange starlight headliner.

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A purple body expresses the twilight of Boracay

The Ghost Extended, carrying the theme of expressionism, is finished in a color Rolls-Royce calls Boracay Blue, which leans more towards purple than blue. According to Rolls-Royce, this color attempts to capture the hues seen during the transition from sunset to twilight on Boracay Island in the Philippines. The Ghost also features a distinctive lime green coach line running from the headlights to the taillights.

The interior of the Ghost is characterized by black and Arctic White leather, accented with vibrant lime green. To create a three-dimensional effect, alternating stitch patterns were used on the door pockets, with 104,268 stitches used across all four doors. The starlight headliner features 520 lime green and 520 white star decorations reminiscent of a night sky.

A flagship model, Phantom Extended, is painted in two tones, showing off its moderation

The Phantom Extended, the flagship model of the three, carries the theme of magnetism. Its exterior boasts a restrained elegance with a two-tone finish in Calla Luna Sand and Cabrera Blue. The Phantom features a hand-painted double coach line in Arctic White and Calla Luna Sand, intended to evoke the ambiance of a beach under the night sky.

While the exterior of the Phantom Extended exudes a restrained aesthetic, the interior is filled with luxurious design. The starlight headliner is adorned with 768 Galileo Blue star decorations and 576 white star decorations, all hand-crafted. The front and rear reclining seats are finished in Blue-Gray, Navy Blue, and Arctic White leather, with Arctic White stitching added to harmonize with the leather colors.

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• What's My Car Worth?
• Buyer's Guide

Rolls-Royce Reveals 'Spirit of Expression' Trio of Bespoke Ultraluxury Cars

Pick your preferred entry to the upper echelons of swankiness: There's a custom Phantom Extended, a custom Ghost Extended, and a custom Spectre.

• The customized vehicles have unique themes: a Spectre labeled Escapism, a Ghost Extended labeled Expressionism, and a Phantom Extended labeled Magnetism.
• As all three were made as bespoke creations for individual customers, Rolls-Royce didn't reveal pricing, but they surely fetched quite a bit more than their respective model's base prices.

Rolls-Royce makes some of the most legendary luxury cars money can buy, but what if you want to go above and beyond the standard lineup? That's where the manufacturer's bespoke division comes in to make your automotive fantasies a reality. Rolls-Royce unveiled three such vehicles as part of a "Spirit of Expression" collection, revealed ahead of the Beijing auto show.

The collection features three models: a Spectre labeled Escapism, a Ghost Extended labeled Expressionism, and a Phantom Extended labeled Magnetism. Each model features a theme tied in with its name, with colors inspired by real-world locations.

The Spectre features a two-tone finish, pairing a striking Lantana Red with a contrasting Tempest Grey. The centerpieces on the Spectre's 23-inch wheels are painted Lantana Red to match the body. Customized themes for the exterior are rounded out with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy ornament on the hood. The interior of the Escapism Spectre is just as impressive as the exterior, with three separate leather colors calling thoughts of tropical sunsets to mind.

The Expressionism Ghost Extended is finished in a wondrously vivid color Rolls-Royce calls Boracay Blue, though we're convinced the color is more lilac than blue. According to the automaker, the paint captures the colors seen as sunset transitions to twilight over Boracay Island in the Philippines. It's accentuated by a hand-painted coachline extending from the Ghost's headlights to its taillights.

The Ghost's interior focuses on black and Arctic white leather, which is accented by a vivid lime green. According to the automaker, the door pockets feature alternating stitch patterns to create a three-dimensional effect. The design element uses 104,268 stitches across all four doors. The headliner has 520 lime green and 520 white "star" lights and an additional eight shooting stars.

Despite being the flagship model of the three, the Magnetism Phantom Extended may be the most understated of the series. The exterior is painted in a two-tone job featuring Cala Luna Sand and Kabira Blue with a double coachline in Arctic White and Cala Luna Sand.

Inside, the Magnetism Phantom Extended is anything but understated. The starlight headliner has 768 Galileo Blue and 576 White hand-placed 'stars' with an additional eight shooting stars. Front and rear reclining seats are wrapped in Blue Grey, Navy Blue, and Arctic White leather with additional contrasting Arctic White stitching. The doors feature an open-pore Obsidian Ayous wood veneer.

The standard center instrument panel on the dash is replaced with a piece of artwork comprising 43,096 individual stitches in Arctic White on Navy Blue. The same style makes its way onto the dashboard in front of the passenger.

Considering all three vehicles were created for individual customers, your only hope of getting one is through resale. The automaker didn't reveal pricing, but we can confidently say that each model sold for considerably more than their sticker prices, which begin well over a quarter-million dollars on the low end. All three models will be on display at the Beijing auto show from April 25 to May 4.

Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver . His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.

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Rolls-Royce Runs Wild With Spirit Of Expression Collection

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Spirit of Expression collection, which consists of a Ghost, Phantom, and Spectre

by Michael Gauthier

• Rolls-Royce will present three bespoke models at Auto China.
• The lineup consists of a Spectre, Ghost Extended, and Phantom Extended.
• All three models sport a colorful design as well as a handful of special touches.

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Spirit of Expression collection, ahead of their debut at Auto China . The lineup consists of three different models – including a Ghost Extended, a Phantom Extended, and a Spectre – and they’re the first cars to come from Rolls-Royce Private Office Shanghai.

Starting with the Spectre , it’s known as the Escapism and is designed to recall the “tropics of South America.” As part of this effort, the model has a two-tone exterior that combines Lantana Red with Tempest Grey. They’re joined by an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy as well as 23-inch wheels.

More: Rolls-Royce Showcases Ghost Ekleipsis At Solar Eclipse Viewing Event In Canada

The colorful theme continues in the cabin, which has Selby Grey, Purple Silk, and Sunset leather. The model also has Sunset piping, contrast stitching and headrest monograms as well as a Starlight Headliner with a “Sunset hue.” Rounding out the highlights are a Purple Silk steering wheel, purple instrument dials, and Obsidian Ayous veneers.

The Phantom Extended goes in a different direction as it “reflects the magnetic ambiance of a beach bay under the night sky.” It features a Cala Luna Sand and Kabira Blue exterior, which is designed to recall a beach at midnight.

The model also has a hand-painted double coachline and a special Starlight Headliner. The latter combines White and Galileo Blue ‘stars’ with eight ‘shooting stars.’ They’re joined by celestial motifs, Obsidian Ayous trim, and tri-color leather.

Last but not least is the Ghost Extended Expressionism . It sports a bespoke Boracay Blue exterior with a Lime Green coachline. The model also has 21-inch wheels with Orbit Grey centers and Lime Green pinstripes. They’re joined by White pinstripe tires.

The visual assault continues in the cabin with Lime Green accents that distract from Black and Arctic White leather. The model also has a celestial motif and a two-tone Starlight Headliner that features an “abstract wave pattern” as well as eight ‘shooting stars.’

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year

• Explore the Museum

What's on

Find out what exhibitions and events are on at the Museum.

Exhibitions and displays

Free events, paid events, member events, dino snores.

Explore the natural world in all its fragility and diversity at the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, where 100 powerful photographs tell the story of a planet under pressure.

John James Audubon and his Birds of America

This free display of engravings from John James Audubon's The Birds of America reaffirms why it continues to inspire artists, bird experts and conservationists alike.  

Opening soon

Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre

Unravel the epic story of birds, from surviving a mass extinction event to inhabiting every continent on Earth. Discover the secrets to their success and their surprising and often shocking tactics for survival.

New exhibition opens 24 May

Women in Science Tour

Take a guided tour of the first floor Hintze Hall balconies and the Minerals gallery, and hear the gripping histories of several women scientists across history including some who've worked at the Museum. Plus learn more about our displays and cutting-edge science.

Various dates and times

Free, tickets recommended

Women in Science Tour: Space

Discover the fascinating work of women scientists who have focused on space, meteorites and planetary materials. Encounter numerous treasures such as meteorites and learn more our cutting-edge science.

Women in Science Tour: Palaeontology

Discover the fascinating work of female palaeontologists, where you'll encounter numerous treasures and develop your understanding of fossils and ancient life.

Free, walk-ups accepted subject to capacity

Women in Science Tour: Fashion

Join us to explore the relationship between fashion and the natural world and discover the female scientists and activists whose work has shaped our understanding.

Women in Science Tour: Women of Colour

Come and hear about wonderful female scientists of colour. Learn about their inspirational work and how they contributed to our understanding of life on Earth and beyond.

Free, walk-ups accepted subject to capacity

Quieter visits

Accessible Morning Visits to Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Experience breathtaking photography at one of our relaxed early morning sessions, designed specifically for our disabled and neurodiverse visitors.

10.00–11.00 every other Wednesday and Saturday

Disabled adult: £12.00-£14.00 Disabled chid: £7.25-£8.50 Companion ticket: Free

Dawnosaurs: Relaxed Morning Visit

Enjoy an early morning visit free from the hustle and bustle of the public. With access to a wide range of galleries and activities, supported by experienced, autism-aware facilitators.

Various dates

08.00–10.00

Free, tickets required

Accessible Morning Visits to Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre

Get to know our beaked buddies better away from our busy daytime crowds at one of our accessible morning visits designed specifically for our disabled and neurodiverse visitors.

10.00–11.00 every third Wednesday and Saturday

Disabled adult: £13.20 Disabled child: £7.95 Companion ticket: Free

Guided tours

Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour

Adorned with imposing gargoyles, intricate carvings and high, decorative ceilings. Join us for a special tour as we look at the fascinating stories hidden within the architecture of our iconic building.

Adult: £15, Members : £12 Child: £12, Members : £9.60

Museum Highlights Tour

Join us for an hour-long tour of our most iconic specimens, from the world’s most complete fossil stegosaur, to the largest blue topaz gemstone of its kind and an infamous gorilla, don’t miss your chance to get to know our best of the best. 

Adult: £15,  Members : £12 Child: £12,  Members : £9.60

Science of the Natural History Museum Tour

We care about protecting the planet and encouraging others to do the same. Join us on this tour to discover the work we do, from advocacy and outreach to identifying new species and protecting the collections we care for.

Various dates and times 

Adult: £20, Members : £16 Child: £16, Members : £12.80

Wildlife Photographer of the Year Tour

Discover powerful photography.  Get behind the lens of some of the world's best wildlife photographers with this new tour.

09.00–09.45

Adult: £30,  Members : £15 Child: £24,  Members : £12

Ticket price includes exhibition entry.

Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre Tour

See birds in a new light on our revealing tour as you explore the shocking and spectacular tactics our feathered friends use to survive.

31 May, 16 June and 28 June

09.00–10.00

Adult: £25, Members: £22.50 Child: £17, Members: £15.30

Out of Hours Dino Tours

Journey through time and get up close and personal with all the main characters in our world-famous Dinosaurs gallery before it opens to the public on one of our special guided tours.

Adult :  £25,  Members : £22.50 Child :  £17,  Members : £15.30

Behind the Scenes Tour: Spirit Collection

Go behind the scenes for a look at our fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit. You'll encounter numerous treasures hidden among the 22 million animal specimens housed here. 

Adult: £25, Child: £25,  Members : £20

Botanical Tin Embossing Workshop

Embark on a journey through lush botanical wonders with artist Megan Fatharly and discover the art of tin embossing while drawing inspiration from nature’s intricate beauty. 

15 and 16 May

11.00–13.30 and 14.30–17.00

Adult: £60, Members : £54

Adventure Babies

Join us at the Museum with your baby for a sensory storytelling class brought to you by award-winning Adventure Babies.

£20 for an adult-child duo

Jurassic Encounters: Animal Show

Take a Jurassic jump back in time and meet the modern-day relatives of the animals that lived alongside dinosaurs in this fantastic animal handling show.

Wednesday 10 April 

11.00–11.45, 12.00–12.45 and 13.00–13.45

Adult: £8, Child: £8,  Members : £7.20

Naturally Curious

Learn about cutting-edge scientific research from our leading experts with a new series of on-demand courses designed for anyone interested in the natural world, regardless of skill level. 

Each course is available for £49.99

Yoga at the Museum

Find your zen at the Museum with a unique series of invigorating yoga classes for a variety of experience levels hosted in collaboration with East of Eden.

08.00–09.15

Adult: £35 Members : £31.50 

Discover the ancient Chinese martial arts practice of Tai Chi underneath Hope our blue whale and de-stress, connect with nature and improve your balance.

Summer 2024 dates coming in spring

Adult: £25 Members : £22.50

Silent Disco

Make waves on the dance floor and curate the soundtrack to your night. Choose your side as three DJs do battle over separate wireless channels, playing the very best of new and old.

22.00–01.00

Adult: £35 Members : £31.50

T. Rex show with Teach Rex

Calling all dinosaur fans! Join us at our T. Rex show with Teach Rex. They use life-like dinosaurs to perform their show about the life of  Tyrannosaurus rex,  one the most amazing creatures to have roamed our planet.

Adult: £12 Child: £12  Members : £10.80

Crochet at the Museum with TOFT

Crochet a special edition Natural History Museum creation at our TOFT crochet workshop, with TOFT’s pure wool, ergonomic tools and expert instruction.

18.45–21.30

Adult: £80,  Members : £72

Delve into our pioneering projects and find out more about our collections as we celebrate and showcase the world-leading scientific research we carry out here at the Museum.

Tuesday 30 April

18.30–20.00  

Onsite Members : £15, Non-Members: £25 Online Members  and Supporters: Free, Non-Members: £5

Family Flight Night

Fly the nest and bring your flock along for an evening of fun as we celebrate our new exhibition Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre with a night all about flight.

Friday 31 May

18.30–21.30

Adult: £25, Child: £25,  Members : £22.50

Families with children 7-11

Dino Snores for Kids

Our sleepover for kids aged 7-11 gives budding natural history bods the chance to discover the Museum after dark and get involved in fun educational activities.

Various dates.

Adult: £80, Child: £80,  Members : £72

Dino Snores for Grown-ups

Come to a sleepover for grown-ups at one of London's most famous buildings and enjoy a night at the Museum featuring great entertainment, food and drink.

Adult: £220,  Members : £198

These events are part of a series of unique talks, tours and viewings for our Members, Patrons, Supporters and Corporate Members only.

Members enjoy free entry to all exhibitions without needing to book, priority access and exclusive events.

Our scientists, together with a stellar cast of external speakers, will discuss their cutting-edge research.

Member Family Event: Mary Anning's Fossil Hunters

In this fun, interactive session, children will learn all about the incredible work of fossil hunter Mary Anning.

Private view

Members Preview Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre

24 May - 25 May

Free for Members

Members and Patrons are invited to join us for a private view of our new exhibition Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre.

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