Hidden Museum Gallery Reopens After 100 Years

A significant part of the Natural History Museum, closed for almost a century, is now accessible to the public. The gallery, shut down in 1943 after serving as a skeleton gallery and then a storage space for botanical collections, has officially reopened.

The newly named "Nature and Us" gallery features 50 diverse specimens and objects. These exhibits delve into the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world. Highlights include a miniature dinosaur model, a Victorian monk seal skeleton, a replica jaw of an early domesticated dog, a 400,000-year-old handaxe, and even a Star Wars toy encrusted with bryozoans. The original wooden cabinets from its herbarium days are also preserved.

This gallery will remain open for 18 months, with selected objects slated for a permanent space in 2029, based on visitor feedback. The reopening is part of the NHM150 campaign, aiming to launch a new or revitalized gallery annually until 2031. A new permanent gallery for young children, aged four to seven, featuring interactive experiences, is planned for 2027. The museum itself is free to enter, with advance booking recommended for guaranteed entry.