Visiting the Darwin Centre
The Darwin Centre is now open
Curious? Meet our Darwin Centre science guides in this video
The landmark Darwin Centre is now open to the public. Museum visitors can explore world-class science in action in a dramatic new public space.
The Darwin Centre is a state-of-the-art science and collections facility. The building is the most significant expansion at the Museum since it moved to South Kensington in 1881.
See world-leading scientists at work, incredible specimens, exciting displays and much more.
Entrance is free
10.00 - 17.50
Booking is required for timed slots
Book your Darwin Centre Cocoon visit online
Visit the Darwin Centre after hours on the last Friday of the month from 30 October to 26 March 2010 (excluding December).
Find out about After Hours events
Find out about the Darwin Centre's many attractions including the spectacular Cocoon experience and high-tech Attenborough Studio.
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Getting to the Darwin Centre
Find out how to get to the Darwin Centre and where all the great places to explore inside are.
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Cocoon
Get a sneak preview of what the spectacular Cocoon experience reveals.
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Cocoon highlights
Glimpse some of the incredible exhibits and amazing views and activities inside Cocoon, so you know what to look for on your visit.
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Attenborough Studio
Join in exciting events and shows in this high-tech studio space.
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Angela Marmont Centre for UK Biodiversity
Find out about UK biodiversity and how you can get involved in nature activities.
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NaturePlus in the Darwin Centre
When you visit the Darwin Centre, pick up your free NaturePlus card to collect highlights of your visit along with bonus features to explore later online. Find out more.
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Climate Change Wall
Witness the dramatic effect of climate change at this visually stunning wall display of moving images, films and graphics.
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Science in the Darwin Centre
Uncover the vital work that Museum scientists do in the new centre's state-of-the-art labs.
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Darwin Centre architecture
Be dazzled by the dramatic designs of the Darwin Centre cocoon building.
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Learning activities in the Darwin Centre
Explore the fantastic learning activities and events for schools.
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Sign up for e-news
Sign up for e-news and get regular updates about the Darwin Centre.
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Royal opening of the Darwin Centre highlights
Enjoy some of the momentous moments at the royal celebrations for the Darwin Centre's opening.
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Darwin Centre videos
Watch some of our Darwin Centre videos from the earliest development stages to the spectacular royal opening event.
Uncover the science of nature
Cocoon
Take the Cocoon journey. Share the excitement of exploring, studying and preserving nature in this dramatic public space and state-of-the-art scientific research centre.
Book your free Cocoon visit online
More to explore
Don't miss the sensational 12-metre long Climate Change Wall near the Attenborough Studio exit. Light, images and sounds change as you get close.
About the Climate Change Wall
Inside the Darwin Centre's original Zoology spirit building, uncover amazing specimens preserved in spirit like a giant squid.
Go on a free guided Spirit Collection Tour
Catch some of the highlights from our royal opening and trace the development of the Darwin Centre.
Watch our Darwin Centre videos
Stunning specimens revealed
Marvel at 100s of rare specimens, huge displays and interactives.
Cutting-edge science in action
See scientists at work on vital research and delve into the science of nature.
Glimpse the grandeur of the building
View the breathtaking Darwin Centre cocoon building from all angles in our slideshow. See the latest photos.
Find out about the fearless abseilers who recently cleaned the cocoon exterior.
Cleaning the cocoon news article
Darwin Centre supporters
The Natural History Museum is grateful for the support of the following donors.
