About us

We are Best of the Best

On 16 May, the Natural History Museum was voted the Best of the Best at the Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence 2013 ceremony. We also won 3 other accolades for our exhibitions.

Museum director Dr Michael Dixon was presented the award by comedienne and broadcaster Sue Perkins, above.

Read the story about the Museum and Heritage Awards

The Museum's patron

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

In April, we welcomed HRH The Duchess of Cambridge as our Patron.

Read about our Patron

Read the news story about our Patron's appointment 

Our new Director of Public Engagement

Justin Morris

We also welcomed Justin Morris as the Museum's Director of Public Engagement, responsible for all aspects of our public programmes. Justin joined us on 15 April 2013, coming from the British Museum where he was Director of Operations and Projects.

Our vision and mission

Our vision is to advance our knowledge of the natural world, inspiring better care of our planet.

Our mission is to maintain and develop our collections, and use them to promote the discovery, understanding, responsible use and enjoyment of the natural world.

Latest news

CT scan of a 100-million-year-old pterosaur, species Anhanguera
Seeing inside a pterosaur skull - 21/03/2013

CT scans reveal details of the ancient flying reptile's braincase.

This reindeer antler has part of a stylised horse engraved on it.
Lost and found, the first find of an early human artwork - 20/03/2013

Significance of Museum's 14,000-year-old engraved reindeer antler finally recognised.

Sir David Attenborough in front of the interactive game at the opening of Museum's Extinction exhibi
Natural history hero Attenborough opens Extinction exhibition - 08/02/2013

Go beyond dodos and dinosaurs to find extinction's survivors.

Contact and enquiries

Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 5BD
UK

Contact us by email

  • General enquiries and staff contact enquiries

    +44 (0)20 7942 5000
    (8.00-17.50 Mon-Fri; 9.00-17.50 Sat-Sun)

  • Identification enquiries

    See Identification and general science enquiries 

  • Main information desk

    +44 (0)20 7942 5011
    (10.00-17.45 Mon-Sun)

  • Customer services

    +44 (0)20 7942 5511 or email us
    (10.00-18.00 Mon-Fri)

  • Ticket enquiries
    Email us

    (Mail checked 10.00-17.00 Mon-Sun)

New gallery

Want to volunteer?

Want to volunteer?

The Museum is a popular place to volunteer, especially if you're interested in natural history. We have over 400 active volunteers in many diverse roles, including a small number of internships.

Find out about volunteering at the Museum

What's on

  • Sebastiao Salgado: Genesis
    Sebastiao Salgado: Genesis

    The world premiere of Genesis unveils extraordinary black and white images of landscapes, wildlife and remote communities.
    11 Apr 2013 - 08 Sep 2013

  • Extinction: Not the End of the World?
    Extinction: Not the End of the World?

    This exhibition takes you beyond dodos and dinosaurs to explore the crucial role extinction plays in the evolution of life.
    08 Feb 2013 - 08 Sep 2013

  • A Body of Evidence
    A Body of Evidence

    Join us as we speak to a forensic anthropologist and find out more about her work.
    25 May 2013, 12:30

May - June highlights

  • Don't miss our Bat Festival on 1 and 2 June.
  • And if you're visiting over half-term, find out what's on for kids.
  • Moon moth
    Drop in to the Attenborough Studio for free daily Nature Live talks, including live video links to our scientists in the Scilly Isles, and find out about collecting moths in the jungle and the origins of chocolate.
  • Get close to nature in the heart of the city in our beautiful Wildlife Garden.
  • Check out our new special display of Indonesian fossil corals.