One of London's most iconic institutions has been named among the top museums in the world. The Natural History Museum, a stunning Romanesque building that has stood since 1881, ranks sixth on Time Out's list of the 12 museums everyone should visit in their lifetime. It even surpasses the UNESCO-listed home of the Terracotta Warriors in China and the Vatican Museums in Rome.
What Makes the Natural History Museum Unmissable
The museum offers an array of breathtaking exhibits. A 25-metre-long blue whale skeleton, named Hope, hangs from the ceiling of Hintze Hall, replacing Dippy the Diplodocus that dominated the hall from 1905 to 2017. Visitors can explore galleries filled with stuffed specimens, including birds, insects, and extinct species. The museum also houses a genuine moon rock, an earthquake simulation, and a collection of over 300 diamonds.
Current Exhibitions and Events
Beyond its permanent collections, the Natural History Museum currently displays the top 100 images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, now in its sixth decade. Additionally, visitors have a limited time to experience a narrated journey by David Attenborough, telling the story of life on Earth over billions of years.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit
With these special exhibitions and the museum's free entry, there has never been a better moment to tick this iconic attraction off your bucket list. Whether you're a lifelong Londoner or a first-time visitor, the Natural History Museum offers an unforgettable experience.
Other Must-Visit Museums
Time Out's list of 12 museums everyone should visit in their lifetime includes institutions from around the globe, but London's Natural History Museum stands out for its unique combination of history, science, and accessibility.
For more information on London's cultural offerings, including the British Museum's upcoming Bayeux Tapestry exhibition and a major James McNeill Whistler exhibition, stay tuned to our updates.
