FANTASTIC BEASTS - Natural History Museum
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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About Natural History Museum
A highlight of London’s museum collection, the Natural History Museum invites visitors to explore everything from prehistoric giants to the secrets of Earth’s core. Whether you’re on a family adventure or a quest for knowledge, its interactive galleries, iconic exhibits, and inspiring architecture make it an essential stop on any cultural or educational journey.
The museum’s blue whale skeleton, “Hope,” is the largest animal ever displayed at the museum, measuring 25.2 meters long.
The Natural History Museum welcomed a record 6.3 million visitors in 2024, making it the UK’s second-most-visited attraction.
Its grand Victorian building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, features over 78 million specimens and intricate terracotta animal carvings.
The Earthquake Simulator lets visitors experience the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, making geology both educational and exciting.
The Treasures gallery houses a replica of the famous Hope Diamond and a 4.5-ton meteorite, among other rare wonders.
Why visit Natural History Museum?
Plan your visit
Cromwell Road Entrance (Main Entrance)
Located directly on Cromwell Road (SW7 5BD), this is the museum’s iconic main entrance, easily identified by its grand terracotta arches and animal carvings. It is the closest entrance to South Kensington Tube Station (about a 3-minute walk). The Cromwell Road entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access, ramps, and elevators available. This entrance is recommended for visitors with mobility needs and families with strollers.
Exhibition Road Entrance
Situated on Exhibition Road, this entrance is ideal for visitors arriving from the Science Museum or Victoria & Albert Museum. It offers step-free access and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The Exhibition Road entrance is generally less crowded than the main entrance and is a good alternative during peak times.
Queen’s Gate Entrance (Groups & Events)
Located on Queen’s Gate, this entrance is primarily used for pre-booked school groups, educational visits, and special events. It is also step-free and accessible, but not open to general walk-in visitors. Please check your booking confirmation if you are part of a group or attending a private event.
Regular Hours: The Natural History Museum is open daily from 10:00am to 5:50pm. Last entry is at 5:30pm.
Closures: The museum is closed on December 24–26 each year. Occasional early closures may occur for special events—check the official website before your visit.
Special Exhibitions: Paid exhibitions and events may have different opening hours; please refer to your ticket or the museum’s website for details.
A cloakroom is available near the main entrance for coats and small bags. Space is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lockers are available for storing small items and bags. Please note that large suitcases cannot be accommodated.
Audio guides are available for a small fee via the museum’s official app. Download before your visit or use museum WiFi.
A souvenir shop is located near the exit, offering a wide range of gifts, books, and educational toys.
Dining outlets and cafés are available throughout the museum, including a family-friendly restaurant and coffee bars.
Toilets, including accessible and baby-changing facilities, are located on every floor.
Free WiFi is available throughout the museum. Connect to 'NHM-WiFi' on arrival.
A first aid room is available. Please contact any staff member if you require assistance.
Baby nursing rooms and changing facilities are available for families with young children.
An information desk is located in Hintze Hall to assist with directions, lost property, and general queries.
Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge from the information desk. Advance booking is recommended during busy periods.
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access at the main Cromwell Road entrance and lifts to all floors.
Strollers and pushchairs are allowed throughout the museum. Please use lifts where available.
Service animals are welcome in all public areas of the museum.
Elevator access is available to all public floors and galleries.
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