Develop your passion for nature when the new Darwin Centre opens on 15th September.
The new Darwin Centre is a state-of-the-art science and collections facility and the building is the most significant expansion at the Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881.
See world-leading scientists at work, incredible specimens, exciting displays and much more.
The Angela Marmont Centre, which is the focus for UK biodiversity, will be the hub for the Museum’s collaborative work with amateur naturalists, enthusiasts and other societies to study wildlife. Visitors can investigate all aspects of the natural world, from animals, insects and plants to fossils and minerals.
The new Darwin Centre is a state-of-the-art scientific research and collections facility that will be used by over 200 scientists at a time. It is also an awe-inspiring new public space inviting visitors to explore the natural world in an exciting and innovative way. The architectural highlight is a 65-metre-long, eight-storey-high cocoon – the largest sprayed concrete, curved structure in Europe. It will safeguard the 17 million insect and three million plant specimens held inside the building. Visitors will journey into and around the cocoon to see how Museum scientists work, with a chance to see into the collections and laboratories.
This will be the place to discover how to get involved in nature projects in your own garden, local park or wild area. Find out, for example, how to join in the national soil and earthworm survey.
You can make enquiries and follow up your own interests using the resources in the centre. You will be able to access the extensive UK specimen collections, a library and other services.
Explore interactive displays to find out how to get involved and watch how amateur naturalists use the collections.
The Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity is located on the lower ground floor of the Darwin Centre, where entrance is free, but booking is required for timed slots between 10.00 and 17.50.
Visit the Natural History Museum’s website for more information.