#17🦖 Natural HistoryLondon, United Kingdom

Natural History Museum

Hope the blue whale and a Romanesque cathedral of nature

About Natural History Museum

Alfred Waterhouse's terracotta cathedral of natural history holds 80 million specimens, from the iconic Hintze Hall blue whale to the Darwin Centre cocoon.

Founded in 1881, Natural History Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 145 years. Today it draws approximately 5,800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited natural history museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 96,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Natural History Museum ranks #17

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #17, Natural History Museum is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: AECOM Top 10, Free entry.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 2–4 hours, planning your route through Natural History Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Hintze Hall blue whale 'Hope'
◆Dinosaur gallery
◆Earth Hall escalator
◆Darwin Centre Cocoon
◆Treasures gallery
◆Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Recognition & awards

Natural History Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

AECOM Top 10Free entry

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Daily 10:00–17:50. Free.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Natural History Museum is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.4967°N, -0.1764°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum was established in 1881, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 5,800,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important natural history museums in the Europe region.

Other top natural history museums

If you enjoy natural history museums like Natural History Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#15Smithsonian National Museum of Natural HistoryWashington, United States
#16American Museum of Natural HistoryNew York, United States
#44Field Museum of Natural HistoryChicago, United States
#58Smithsonian National Zoo (& Conservation)Washington, United States
#66Royal Ontario MuseumToronto, Canada

More museums in London

London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Natural History Museum with these nearby institutions:

#4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
#12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
#14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
#41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
#42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
#65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
#154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
#155Churchill War Rooms🏛️ History & Civilization

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Natural History Museum?

Daily 10:00–17:50. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Natural History Museum?

Most visitors recommend spending 2–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Natural History Museum located?

Natural History Museum is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.4967°, -0.1764°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Natural History Museum known for?

Hope the blue whale and a Romanesque cathedral of nature. Key highlights include Hintze Hall blue whale 'Hope', Dinosaur gallery, Earth Hall escalator. The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 96,000 reviews.