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 The
Natural History Museum was built in 1881 to house the British
Museum's growing collection of natural history
specimens. The vast building is a masterpiece in itself.
Designed by Alfred Waterhouse the brick structure was built
using Victorian building techniques, an iron and steel frame
concealed behind arches and columns, embellished with sculptures
of plants and animals.
This is
one of the major, and popular, museums in London.
The Central Hall, where the Diplodocus
skeleton stands, has beautifully carved fauna details and
an exquisitely painted ceiling.
An unrivaled, enormous, collection
of animals, plants, minerals and fossils, the Natural History
Museum uses up to date interactive techniques along with with
traditional displays to explain life on Earth.
In 1996 the Earth Galleries,
which incorporates the former Geology Museum, was reopened
after extensive renovation.
The museum is divided two main
areas, the Life and Earth galleries.
The Life Galleries are housed
in the main area of the museum, each gallery on one subject,
such as the Dinosaurs, Human Biology, 'Discovering Mammals',
Reptiles and Fish, Marine Invertebrates, 'Creepy Crawlies',
British Natural History and Ecology.
In the basement houses a 'Discovery
Centre' for children.
The Earth Galleries are in a
separate wing, showing visitors the evolution of the Earth
and our place in it. Features include a stunning walk-through
rotating globe and 'The Power Within' which gives visitors
a chance to experience the effects of an earthquake and see
the devastation caused a volcano eruption.
The 'From the Beginning' display illustrates the history of
the Earth and asks questions about its future.
NEW ! Phase One of the
Darwin Centre is now open, it houses 22 million zoological
specimens. This is aimed at increasing public understanding
of science by providing greater access to the museum's huge
collections, and a look at the work that goes on in the museum.
Free guided tours of the centre are available, book on arrival,
but there are limited places.
Admission free -
charge for special exhibitions
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London
South Kensington