Visiting the Darwin Centre
Uncover the science of nature
Curious? Meet our Darwin Centre science guides in this video
The landmark Darwin Centre opened to the public in September 2009. Museum visitors can explore world-class science in action in a dramatic 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
No advance booking is required
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 Darwin 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 2009 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.
Experience Cocoon
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.
No advance booking is required.
V Factor - from visitor to volunteer
Want to work with Museum scientists on our specimen collections?
We're looking for volunteers aged 18+ who can give 1 day a week for 10 weeks to work in our Specimen Preparation Area in the Cocoon.
You'll be helping us improve our collections care and gaining valuable experience.
Meet your ancestors in our fantastic interactive film
In our award-winning film Who do you think you really are? you will go on a virtual journey through our evolutionary past and see extinct creatures come to life in the studio.
Stunning specimens revealed
Marvel at 100s of specimens, displays and interactives.
Explore the specimen collection
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 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.
