A guide shows speciments preserved in spirit

Behind the Scenes Tour: Spirit Collection

A 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum's unique spirit collection.

  • Turbinaria coral bay in Hintze Hall
  • Daily tours are currently available until the end of July.
  • Adult: £35, Child: £35, Member: £28

Go behind the scenes with our knowledgeable science educators for a look at the Museum's fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit.

As we explore some of the Darwin Centre's 27 kilometres of shelves, you'll encounter numerous treasures hidden among the 22 million animal specimens housed here.

You'll meet Archie, our 8.62-metre-long giant squid, view specimens collected by Charles Darwin himself and learn more about our cutting-edge research.

Find out about the security measures we have in place.

Accessibility information

  • If you’ll be using a wheelchair on this tour, let us know in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
  • Due to the chemical smells in the tank room, this tour isn’t suitable for pregnant visitors.
  • There are no toilets in the Spirit Collection or Tank Room. There are accessible toilets under the stairs in Hintze Hall and in our Zoology Spirit Building in our Orange Zone. We also have a Changing Places toilet in our Blue Zone.
  • Guide dogs aren’t allowed on our Behind the Scenes: Spirit Collection Tour. You can leave your guide dog with the attendants in our cloakrooms.
  • If you need help with access, call our Contact Centre on +44(0)20 7942 5000.
  • To request a free ticket for a carer or personal assistant accompanying an individual with a disability call us on +44(0)20 7942 5000 Monday to Friday, 09.00–17.00. Tickets are subject to availability.
  • If you’d like to discuss accessibility requirements or alternative approaches, email our Guided Tours Team at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Visiting information

  • The tour is strictly for adults and children aged 10+. This age limit is in place because the tour content, specimens covered and chemical smells in the tank room are not suitable for younger children. Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Due to the chemical smells in the tank room, the tours may also not be suitable for pregnant visitors.
  • Bags are not allowed on the tour, but free use of the cloakroom is included in your ticket.
  • Your tour ticket grants you access to the Museum up to one hour before your scheduled tour. If you plan to arrive earlier, you may need to get a general admission ticket or join the walk-in queue.
  • Due to the behind-the-scenes nature of the tour there will be some spaces which will require you to be in close proximity to other visitors and the guide for short time periods.
  • Please arrive at the Turbinaria coral bay in Hintze Hall a few minutes before your tour is scheduled to begin.
  • For private tour requests email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, Monday to Friday, 09.00–17.00 or email us.

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.

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