Collections

Explore one of the world’s oldest and most significant entomology collections, comprising over 34 million insects and arachnids. Collected over more than 300 years, these specimens provide key insights into the history of collecting, the science of taxonomy and the enduring human endeavour to understand the natural world.

The botanical collections comprise an estimated six million specimens of bryophytes, ferns, seed plants and slime moulds from across the globe, together with substantial collections of algae, lichens and diatoms.

Comprising more than 29 million animal specimens collected worldwide over more than 250 years, the zoology collections are distinguished by their extensive holdings of voucher, type and historical specimens, as well as extinct and endangered species.

The palaeontology collections comprise more than seven million vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils, offering extensive geographic, stratigraphic and historical coverage.

The mineralogy collections comprise 500,000 rocks, gems and minerals, including 5,000 meteorites. It’s one of the finest collections of its kind in the world and serves as a valuable resource for economic geology and scientific research.

The molecular collections contain genetic material from a wide range of taxonomic groups from around the world. They represent a unique and valuable resource with the capacity to preserve genetic material for future generations.

The library and archives contain one of the world’s finest collections of natural history literature, artwork and manuscripts. Comprising more than 1.5 million items, the collection supports research across the sciences, history and the humanities.