A Visit to the Natural History Museum in London
The Natural History Museum is divided into the Life Galleries and the Earth Galleries (formerly the Geological Museum). The Life Galleries include the Wonders of the Natural History Museum, Dinosaurs, Creepy Crawlies, Ecology, Human Biology, Mammals, Primates, Origin of Species, and Minerals. The Earth Galleries include the Visions of Earth, the Power Within, Restless Surface, From the Beginning, Earth's Treasury, Earth Today and Tomorrow, Earth Lab, and the Earthquake Experience.
Phase One of the much-hyped Darwin Centre is now open. I found this part of the museum to be a bit disappointing for what was actually on display during our visit. The promise of getting to go "Behind the Scenes" was not as exciting for me, as I have already spent plenty of time in dusty museum collections rooms. Perhaps when Phase Two is completed in 2007 it will be more interesting. You can view 22 million zoological specimens stored in alcohol in the Darwin Center, so pop in for a quick look if you have the time; if your schedule is tight, however, I would skip the Darwin Centre altogether.
We did enjoy the "Dino-Birds: The Feathered Dinosaurs of China" exhibit, which is on display through May 5th 2003. Among the early birds from the late Jurassic Period (195 to 140 million years ago) and the early Cretaceous Period (140 to 65 million years ago) of China that you can see are Archaeopteryx, Cathayornis yandica, Sinornithosaurus, Sinosauropteryx prima, Caudipteryx zoui, Liaoxiornis delicates, and Chanchengornis hengdaoziensis. The BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2002 Competition winners will also be on exhibit through May 5th, 2003. If you are not able to see it in London, watch your local natural history museum if they will be touring this special exhibition.
Investigate in the Clore Education Centre in the basement offers hands-on education for ages 7-14 years. The Natural History Museum also offers an Identification and Advisory Service to professionals on a fee paying basis.
If you live in or near London, consider becoming a museum member. Members receive the quarterly magazine Nature First, free admission to Special Exhibits (such as the Dino-Birds and Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibits), and a discount at the museum gift store.
It is a great idea to become a member of your local natural history museum. Membership usually includes free or reduced admission to the museum and special events (often invitation
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