Two visitors listen as a guide shows a monkey carved in a wall inside the Museum

Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour

Join us for a special tour as we look at the fascinating stories hidden within the architecture of our iconic building. 

  • Exhibition Road, outside our Staff entrance
  • Various dates and times
  • Adult: £15, Child: £12, Adult member: £12, Child member: £9.60

Adorned with imposing gargoyles, intricate carvings and high, decorative ceilings, our building does more than just hold our collections, it's a piece of art.

Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of Britain’s most striking examples of Romanesque architecture with every element of its design paying homage to nature.

Look beyond our specimens to the stonework behind and you’ll see a whole menagerie of terracotta animals, including a carved monkey with a human face that bears a striking resemblance to the one and only Charles Darwin.

Join us on this special tour as we delve into the fascinating history of our beautiful building and reveal the secrets it holds. We’ll start our story in the late 1800s, giving you the chance to see digital copies of the original sketches, detailed drawings and plans for the building, before exploring our twenty-first-century additions.

If you want to learn more about this iconic London landmark, then this is the tour for you.

Dates and times

April

  • Wednesday 9, 10.30, 13.00 and 15.00
  • Friday 11, 10.30 and 13.00
  • Saturday 12, 14.00
  • Thursday 17, 14.00
  • Friday 18, 10.30
  • Saturday 19, 11.00 and 14.00
  • Friday 25, 13.00

May

  • Friday 2, 11.00
  • Sunday 4, 11.00
  • Monday 5, 11.00, 13.00
  • Friday 9, 11.00
  • Friday 16, 11.00
  • Sunday 18, 15.00
  • Monday 19, 11.00
  • Friday 23, 11.00, 13.00
  • Friday 30, 11.00

June

  • Sunday 1 June, 11.00

Accessibility information

  • This tour takes place on the Ground Floor, First Floor and Second Floor of our building. The route is fully wheelchair accessible using lifts.
  • If we’re experiencing high visitor numbers, we may give you headsets to wear, as the galleries are likely to be noisy.
  • Hearing loops are available. Let your guide know if you’d like to use a set.
  • Let your guide know if you’d like to use the available seating along the tour route.
  • The route covers a large area. We can provide you with a wheelchair or folding chair to carry if you email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Guide dogs are welcome at the Museum and on this tour. Water for them is available on request.
  • There’s an accessible toilet on the Ground Floor of Hintze Hall at the back under the stairs. We also have a Changing Places toilet in our Blue Zone.
  • To request a free ticket for a carer or personal assistant accompanying an individual with a disability call us on +44(0)20 7942 5000 Monday to Friday, 09.00–17.00. Tickets are subject to availability.
  • If you’d like to discuss accessibility requirements or alternative approaches, email our Guided Tours Team at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Visiting information

  • This tour runs during our public opening hours. Headsets may be provided if the Museum is experiencing peak visitor numbers.
  • Your tour guide will meet you outside our Staff entrance on Exhibition Road. There will be a sign pointing to this location.
  • Make sure to arrive on time, as the tour will start promptly at the stated time.
  • Your tour ticket grants you access to the Museum up to one hour before your scheduled tour. If you plan to arrive earlier, you may need to get a general admission ticket or join the walk-in queue.
  • All ages are welcome, but the content is recommended for ages 11+.
  • The tour includes outdoor walking. Check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly.
  • Entry to our paid exhibitions is not included in your tour ticket, these tickets must be bought separately.
  • You must bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket. We’re unable to accommodate additional guests on the day.
  • Tickets are non-refundable, and no refunds or exchanges will be given to latecomers.
  • Ticket price doesn’t include the cloakroom.
  • Ticket prices are subject to change.
  • We reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timings or content of the activities. This is to ensure that we deliver a safe experience for guests at all times.
  • For private tour requests, email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, 09.30-17.30 Monday to Friday or email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.

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