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.

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