(Claw of Baryonyx walkeri) Baryonyx means 'heavy claw'. Unusually for a carnivorous dinosaur we know it ate fish as scientists have found fish scales and teeth with its fossil where its stomach would have been.

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Come and explore...

In the Green Zone’s Vault gallery unearth our rare Nakhla meteorite from Mars and more dazzling gems.

For information on our galleries and latest exhibitions, where to eat and drink, Visit us will help you plan a great day out.

Entry is free!

(There is a charge for some temporary exhibitions)

Opening times
Open every day10.00 - 17.50
Last admission17.30

The Museum is open every day, including Sundays and bank holidays, but closed 24 - 26 December.

The Museum's step-free entrance is on Exhibition Road.

During the February school holiday period, please be prepared for long queues outside and inside the Museum, especially for the Dinosaurs gallery. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

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Visiting Tring? Find out the opening times at the Natural History Museum at Tring here.

For your security, most areas of the Museum are protected by CCTV.

On entry to the Museum your bags and other personal items will be inspected. We advise you not to bring any sharp objects such as metal knives, forks, scissors, etc. to the Museum, as they may be confiscated.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

What's on
What's on

From the latest gallery highlights, daily activities and films to special exhibitions and events, find out what’s on for visitors.

Street map showing the Natural History Museum in South Kensington
Getting here

There are many ways to reach us. By tube, bus, bicycle, car or on foot.

Museum tickets
Booking

Find out about booking information for our events and exhibitions.

Family checking the access guide.
Access guide

We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors.

Central hall facing Diplodocus skeleton.
Galleries

Choose from over 30 permanent galleries to explore, including our famous Dinosaurs.

Children running up the steps of the Natural History Museum
Parents' survival guide

Bringing the kids? From special activities to bags and pushchairs, here's your essential guide.

Photograph of a butterfly
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  • Floor Plans
    Floor Plans

    View and print out maps to help plan your visit to the Museum.

Explore the galleries

What's on

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2011
More information
  • Scott's Last Expedition exhibition
    Scott's Last Expedition exhibition

    Explore the captivating story of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's 1910-1913 Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica.
    20 Jan 2012 - 02 Sep 2012

  • After Hours with MasterCard
    After Hours with MasterCard

    Relax with an evening drink and enjoy the Scott's Last Expedition exhibition after hours.
    24 Feb 2012, 18:00

  • Images of Nature
    Images of Nature

    Explore the Museum's fantastic natural history artworks and a new Australian temporary exhibition. Free
    21 Jan 2011 - 31 Jul 2012

Find out what's on

This month's highlights

Antarctica: Experience it
Scott events

Join in our special Scott-related free daytime talks and evening events to tie in with the Scott's Last Expedition exhibition.

The Bird Table
The Bird Table

Drop into this fun activity with our science educators and discover how penguins and other birds are adapted to survive.

Who do you think you really are?
Who do you think you really are? film

Go on a virtual journey through our evolutionary past and see extinct creatures come to life in our interactive film. 

Find out what's coming soon
Scott's Last Expedition
More information