Pentacrinites fossilis, a Lower Jurassic crinoid from Lyme Regis, Dorset
The diversity and abundance of echinoderm fossils is reflected in the Museum's large, world-class collection.
Fossil echinoderms are numerous, due in part to the fantastic preservation potential of the calcite plates that form their skeletons. They have been found in Phanerozoic marine sediments around the globe.
200,000 1,800
Specimens Type specimens
With around 200,000 specimens, including more than 1,800 type and figured specimens, the Museum’s collection is representative of all classes of echinoderms.
Collection strengths:
The collection is representative of all continents.
The full geological range of each group is represented in our collection:
The fossil echinoderm collection is being digitised
If you would like to use any specimens for research
We have set out on an ambitious programme to develop a new collections, science and digitisation centre. As we prepare for the move, access to some collections will be affected.
Scientists and collections management specialists can visit the collections and borrow specimens for research.
Our duty is to provide a safe and secure environment for all of our collections.
