Galleries

Tring's specimens on display

The galleries at Tring are packed with fascinating specimens - there are over 4,900 to see.

The private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild (1868-1937), became the basis of the collections housed at the Museum at Tring, located on the grounds of his family home.

To help you make the most of your visit, explore some of the highlights from each gallery.

Museum map

Plan your trip with the Museum map. You can also buy a £5 printed guide with map at the information desk.

Download the map (PDF 2.2MB)

Gallery 1

Stand tall against an emperor penguin and come face-to-face with a polar bear.

  • See the highlights in Gallery 1

Gallery 2

This is our temporary exhibition space.

Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Experience breathtaking images by young photographers at the new exhibition in Tring. 

11 November - 28 April 2024

Free entry

Gallery 3

See one of the Museum's most famous exhibits: the dressed fleas.

  • See the highlights in Gallery 3

Gallery 4

See zebras and their relatives.

  • See the highlights in Gallery 4

Gallery 5

Fan of Moby Dick? Don't miss the lower jaw of a sperm whale.

  • See the highlights in Gallery 5

Gallery 6

Walter Rothschild kept 64 cassowaries and 144 giant tortoises in his lifetime. See some of these important specimens in this gallery.

  • See the highlights in Gallery 6

The Rothschild Room

Discover the life of Walter Rothschild in this dedicated gallery space with temporary displays and a life-size replica of his giant tortoise.

Highlights of The Rothschild Room

Walter's Cassowaries

Walter Rothschild's Cassowary collection, one of the largest collections in any single museum in the world, is the centre of new research to understand the hidden mysteries of cassowary casques. 

This new display in the Rothschild Room will explore the importance of these diverse birds to their ecosystems and the science behind their intricate skulls.

Free, temporary display.

The life of Walter Rothschild

Explore interactive maps, Rothschild's favourite birds and a life-size replica of his giant tortoise in the Rothschild Room.

  • Eat, drink and shop

    Visitors enjoying a drink in the cafe.

    Museum Café

    Take a break from exploring and enjoy a fantastic selection of hot and cold drinks, lunches, cakes, children’s lunches and daily specials, with take away options available. 

    Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00-mid afternoon.

    High Chairs are available and the café is also open to non-Museum visitors.

    The Museum cafe is on the lower ground level. Enter the cafe from our Akeman Street Car Park, by using the lift or by going round the outside of the building. To get to the cafe from the car park you have to go down two steps or a short slope. The cafe doors are 138cm wide. There are male and female toilets outside the cafe within 10 metres. To get to these toilets you have to go up one step. Both male and female toilets have baby changing facilities.

    Picnic areas

    You can eat packed lunches in the indoor (Walter's Workshop) and outdoor picnic areas.

    Some outdoor picnic benches have lift-up seats for wheelchair users.

    Shop

    Find a great range of nature-inspired gifts for all ages, including mineral specimens, soft toys, games, books, posters and greetings cards. The shop is on the ground floor and is open Tuesday-Sunday and bank holidays, 10.00-17.00.

Self-guided tours

Encourage children to ask questions and discuss animal features with our free self-guided tours.

The tours are designed for use by an adult leading a small group of children.

Activity and guide books

Navigate your way with our guidebook filled with fascinating stories and facts, or pick up an activity book to complete during and after your visit.

Buy them from the Museum's shop. 

Beyond the Museum: The best things to do in Tring

Whether you want to spend a weekend or make a day trip, find all the information you need to extend your trip beyond the Museum at Tring and discover Hertfordshire's hidden cultural gem.