Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour

The front exterior of the Natural History Museum

Event Information

Join us for a special tour as we look at the fascinating stories hidden within the architecture of our iconic building. 

Various dates and times

Adult: £15, Member: £12
Child: £12, Member: £9.60

Adorned with imposing gargoyles, intricate carvings and high, decorative ceilings, our building does more than just hold our collections, it's a piece of art.

Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of Britain’s most striking examples of Romanesque architecture with every element of its design paying homage to nature.

Look beyond our specimens to the stonework behind and you’ll see a whole menagerie of terracotta animals, including a carved monkey with a human face that bears a striking resemblance to the one and only Charles Darwin.

Join us on this special tour as we delve into the fascinating history of our beautiful building and reveal the secrets it holds. We’ll start our story in the late 1800s, giving you the chance to see digital copies of the original sketches, detailed drawings and plans for the building, before exploring our twenty-first-century additions.

If you want to learn more about this iconic London landmark, then this is the tour for you.

Event dates and times 

15 November, 11.00–12.00

20 November, 11.00–12.00

28 November, 10.30–11.30, 13.00–14.00 and 15.00–16.00

4 December, 11.00–12.00

5 December, 10.30–11.30, 13.00–14.00, 15.00–16.00

13 December, 10.30–11.30, 13.00–14.00, 15.00–16.00

22 December, 10.30–11.30, 13.00–14.00

27 December, 11.00–12.00

5 January, 11.00–12.00

9 January, 11.00–12.00, 14.00–15.00

22 January, 10.30–11.30, 13.00–14.00, 15.00–16.00

24 January, 13.00–14.00

30 January, 11.00–12.00, 14.00–15.00

31 January, 13.00–14.00

  • Important information

    This tour takes place during our public opening hours so we have headsets for you to use for a better listening experience.

    Your tour guide will meet you outside the Exhibition Road entrance. There will be a sign pointing to this location.

    Please arrive on time as the tour will start promptly at the stated time.

    All ages are welcome but given the content level of the tour we recommend a minimum age of 11 years old.

    The tour is fully accessible.

    Please note that the tour includes outdoor walking, please check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. 

    Entry to our paid exhibitions is not included in your tour ticket, these tickets must be bought separately.

    You must bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket, we are unable to accommodate additional guests on the day.

    Tickets are non-refundable, and no refunds or exchanges will be given to latecomers.

    Ticket price doesn’t include the cloakroom.

    Ticket prices are subject to change.

    The Museum reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timings or content of the activities. This is to ensure that we deliver a safe experience for guests at all times.

    For private tour requests email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

    A free ticket for a carer accompanying a guest with a disability can be requested by calling us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, 09.30-17.30 Monday to Friday, subject to availability.

    Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, 09.30-17.30 Monday to Friday or email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you at the East Road Entrance to the Museum 15 minutes before the start time of your tour. 

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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