The Natural History Museum's latest temporary exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, offers a thrilling journey into the prehistoric seas. While the museum's permanent dinosaur gallery remains charming but dated, this exhibition fills the gap with a modern, interactive experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Exhibition Highlights
Jurassic Oceans focuses on the iconic marine reptiles and fish of the Mesozoic era, from the coiled ammonites to the massive plesiosaur. The exhibition features a series of impressive fossils, culminating in a full plesiosaur skeleton. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations of these creatures, such as the peculiar eye sockets of ichthyosaurs and the scale texture of ancient fish.
Interactive Elements
Unlike the cramped dinosaur gallery, this exhibition is spacious and engaging. Multiple short digital films bring ancient oceans to life, with the megalodon segment being particularly spine-chilling. Tactile exhibits, including a replica of a Jurassic fish's scaly hide, add a hands-on dimension. A pamphlet with embossing stamps at various stations encourages exploration, making the experience fun for both children and adults.
Educational Value
The exhibition covers ground rarely explored by the museum, introducing dozens of lesser-known species such as marine crocodiles and the whale shark-like leedsichthys. It complements the wall-mounted oceanic fossils in the corridor outside, offering a deeper dive into marine paleontology.
Practical Information
- Location: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD
- Transport: South Kensington Tube station
- Dates: Until 3 January 2027
- Prices: £17.50 adults, £8.75 children
While the exhibition requires a paid ticket, it offers excellent value for money. As the museum prepares for a major revamp of its dinosaur gallery by 2031, temporary shows like Jurassic Oceans set a high standard for what's to come. Whether you're a paleontology enthusiast or a family looking for a fun day out, this exhibition promises a whale of a time.
