The Natural History Museum

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Opening hours: Open everyday. 10:00 am - 5:50 pm. You can enjoy permanent exhibits for free at any time of the year, including Sundays, except for the Christmas holiday.

Contact: Main information desk: +44 (0)20 7942 5011 (10.00-17.50 Monday - Sunday)

Customer services: +44 (0)20 7942 5511 (10.00-18.00 Mon-Fri)

There is a place for nature in museums. Museums are not just about ancient stones that have been recovered from grave sites in exotic locations. They may also celebrate the beauty of nature. The Natural History Museum is not a zoo, though it does have a Wildlife Garden where you get into close contact with nature. There, you will interact with sheep, foxes, insects and more. There are other galleries in which you can see birds, primates, fish and more. The galleries are mostly named for colours that best represent the temperaments and natures of the plants and animals showcased in them. For example, birds and a giant Sequoia are found in the Green Zone while fish, reptiles and dinosaur remains are found in the Blue Zone.

The Natural History Museum offers more than what a zoo can. It does not only display live specimens but also offers a visual display of the remains of historical species. Not only that, but there are also scientists on standby who would be able to answer your questions about the specimens that are featured. There are also artistic depictions of nature, through paintings and photographs, which are on display in the museum. No matter what you are looking at, though, (the actual specimen, photos, remains), you get to feel a sense of vividness and life.

In the museum, you can also stand in awe at some of the most precious and unique treasures. You may especially want to see the Tissint Mars meteorite or the Koh-i-Noor diamond, as well as other precious gems. If you are interested in tales of mystery, you may be fascinated with the story behind the Heron-Allen sapphire, a purple gem that its former owner, Edward Heron-Allen had declared to be “cursed and stained with blood.”

You can enjoy permanent exhibits for free at any time of the year, including Sundays, except for the Christmas holiday. The temporary galleries may have a charge. For those who are planning to bring along children, do take note that you need to leave push chairs along with your bags at the cloak room. Older kids will find something to interest or even intrigue them at the science lab. Make sure that the whole family is wearing comfy footwear for all the walking ahead of you.If you feel even more passionate about the museum about a visit or even after having just read this, you might want to be a member. Your membership fees help in maintaining the collections.