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in the Green Zone
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nearest entrance:
Cromwell Road
(with steps)
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booking required for
school groups only
Drop in to Investigate, our science centre where children and adults can get hands-on with the Museum's collection.
Designed especially for families with children aged 7+, Investigate has over 300 specimens to explore and spark your curiosity. You'll discover remarkable objects ranging from trays of fossils and beetles to larger bones, skins, minerals and much more.
Get up close with nature
Everything in Investigate can be held or touched, so pick an object to study and unleash your inner scientist. Examine it under a microscope or compare it with others objects, browse the dedicated library or chat with one of our friendly science educators, who are always on hand to support your investigation.
What will you discover?
Scientists make predictions about the natural world based on their observations. In Investigate, children are encouraged to think, explore and ask questions like a scientist. With so much to discover, there's something to inspire every young scientist.
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Science educators are on hand to support your investigation.
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Get up close and explore interesting objects.
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Examine and compare different types of animals and species.
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Weigh and measure your specimen.
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Take notes on your research.
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Examine your specimen under a microscope.
When to visit
Investigate is open to families during the following times:
Monday - Friday: 16.00-17.15
Last entry: 17.00
Saturday, Sunday and school holidays: 10.30-17.00
Last entry: 16.30
How to find Investigate
Investigate is in the Green Zone on the Lower Ground Floor. It can be accessed by the lift or stairs opposite the Creepy Crawlies gallery on the Ground Floor.
Families do not need to book to visit Investigate, however school groups must book in advance.
School groups
Students learn to how to work scientifically in Investigate. Find out more and book your school groups visit today.
Read about the work of our Museum scientists
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NewsMuseum molecular biologists volunteer in the fight against COVID-19
Scientists have relocated to a testing centre in Milton Keynes, where they are helping to analyse coronavirus tests.
26 June 2020 -
Science newsMuseum collections show how pangolin populations have shrunk
Discover how we're helping some of the most threatened animals on Earth.
30 April 2020 -
Science newsWhy you should care about scientists sequencing the wheat genome
Sequencing the wheat genome could help to protect food supplies in the future.
22 April 2020 -
British wildlifeTwenty-five years of wildlife discoveries in the Museum garden
Wildlife Garden ecologist Sylvia Myers introduces some of our favourite finds and how we monitor the plants and animals present.
Plan the rest of your day at the Museum
What's on
Find out what's on with our calendar of activities, special events and temporary exhibitions.
Getting here
Plan your journey to the Museum, including transport options and Blue Badge parking.
Galleries and maps
Discover what you can see and do in our free galleries. Get around with the Museum map.