Spectacular Victorian museum showcasing 80 million specimens from across the natural world. Famous for dinosaur exhibits including Dippy the Diplodocus, Hope the blue whale, and stunning architectural spaces.
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London, occupies a Romanesque terracotta building designed by Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1881, which is itself a landmark worth admiring before entering. The museum holds around 80 million specimens from every branch of the natural world and draws over five million visitors per year, making it one of the most visited science museums globally. Entry to the permanent collection is free. The Central Hall — known as Hintze Hall following a major renovation completed in 2017 — houses the skeleton of a female blue whale named Hope, suspended dramatically from the ceiling and replacing Dippy the Diplodocus cast that had occupied the space since 1979. Hope measures approximately 25 metres and dominates the soaring Victorian nave. The Dinosaur Gallery on the east side of the building remains the most popular with younger visitors and contains impressive mounted skeletal casts of a Diplodocus, a Triceratops, and an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex. The Earth Galleries in the renovated west wing, entered through a giant escalator rising through a model of the Earth, include a simulated Kobe earthquake experience in the Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery. The Darwin Centre, an eight-storey research cocoon visible through floor-to-ceiling glass panels, allows visitors to see scientists working with the museum's entomology and botany collections, which include specimens collected by Charles Darwin during the Beagle voyage. The Wildlife Garden in the grounds is free to visit and displays British habitats from meadow to woodland. Timed entry tickets are required on popular days; free tickets should be booked in advance via the museum website.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 10:00-17:50
- Best for
- families, children, dinosaur enthusiasts, budget travelers
Location
Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
51.4967, -0.1764 View on map
Highlights
- Hope the blue whale skeleton suspended in Hintze Hall — 25 metres long and one of the most dramatic museum displays in Britain
- Dinosaur Gallery with Diplodocus, Triceratops, and animatronic T. rex — consistently the most popular gallery for families
- Darwin Centre cocoon allowing views into active research labs housing Darwin's original Beagle voyage specimens
- Earth Galleries with escalator through the planet model and a simulated Kobe earthquake experience
- Wildlife Garden in the museum grounds — free habitat display covering British meadow, woodland, and pond environments
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekday mornings to avoid school groups
- Don't miss the incredible Hintze Hall with the blue whale skeleton
- Combine with nearby Science Museum and V&A Museum
When to visit
Arrive at opening time (10:00) on weekday mornings, particularly during school term time, to access the Dinosaur Gallery before queues build. The museum is extremely busy during all school holidays — February half-term and the Easter break see the largest family crowds.
Accessibility
The Natural History Museum is fully accessible with step-free entry via the main Exhibition Road entrance and lifts to all floors. Complimentary wheelchairs are available from the main entrance. The Darwin Centre and Earth Galleries are fully accessible. Large-print guides and audio guides are available. The Wildlife Garden paths are partially accessible depending on conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Natural History Museum free to enter?
The permanent collection galleries are free to enter, though timed entry tickets may be required on busy days and should be booked in advance via the museum website. Special exhibitions carry a separate admission charge.
How long should visitors plan to spend at the Natural History Museum?
A family visit covering the main galleries — Hintze Hall, the Dinosaur Gallery, and the Earth Galleries — typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Those adding the Darwin Centre and Wildlife Garden should allow 3.5 to 4 hours.
Is the Natural History Museum good for young children?
Yes — it is one of London's best family museums. The dinosaurs, the blue whale, and the earthquake simulator are consistently the highlights for children. The museum provides dedicated family programming and interactive zones on most days.