NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
This museum is an architectural marvel, with its imposing façade and neo-Gothic details. It is one of London's finest museums in terms of architecture. Built by A. Waterhouse in the neo-Romanesque style in vogue at the time, it opened in 1881, but its origins date back to the 18th century. The collections, initially donated by private collectors, include an important collection bequeathed by naturalist Sir Hans Sloane. The collection was further enriched by gifts from botanist Joseph Banks, gleaned during his voyage of exploration in 1768. In 1856, Sir Richard Owen directed the transfer of the British Museum's natural history collections to this museum. After the untimely death of architect Francis Fowke, designer of the Royal Albert Hall, Alfred Waterhouse took over the design of the new building. Owen and Waterhouse collaborated to create sculptural ornaments depicting animals and plants, celebrating the diversity of nature. Inside the main gallery, dinosaur skeletons will captivate you. Other rooms feature land and sea mammals, birds and reptiles. One section of the museum deals with human biology, and on the second floor, the evolution of man is explored.
One of the museum's main attractions is the diplodocus skeleton nicknamed "Dippy", which stands majestically in the main hall. However, since 2017, it has been replaced by a blue whale suspended underwater, offering an immersive experience.
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Members' reviews on NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Beautiful museum on several floors with remains of the history organised by categories.
To make absolutely!