(Dandelion pollen grain, Taraxacum officinale) The scientific study of pollen is called palynology and can be used by forensic scientists to discover clues at crime scenes.

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Darwin Centre

The new Darwin Centre is unvelied

HRH Prince William of Wales joined by Sir David Attenborough officially opened the Darwin Centre on 14 September 2009. The day after, 15 September, this remarkable building opened its doors to the public.

The new Darwin Centre building and its futuristic cocoon structure house millions of vital plant and insect specimens and over 200 working scientific experts. 

Museum visitors and scientists can now share in the excitement of exploring, studying and preserving the natural world like never before.

The 8-storey, £78 million landmark building completes the Darwin Centre's development, which is the most significant expansion at the Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881.

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Go to the Darwin Centre website

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What's new

Darwin Centre now open
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Architectural highlights slideshow

Get a glimpse of the new Darwin Centre's greatness. View the centre’s architectural features from all angles in our slideshow.

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Darwin Centre supporters

The Natural History Museum is grateful for the support of the following donors.

Darwin Centre supporters page