Step into the wonders of our galleries at Tring, where more than 4,500 fascinating specimens are waiting to be discovered by you.
The Natural History Museum at Tring houses the extraordinary private collection of Lionel Walter Rothschild, the Second Baron Rothschild, who lived from 1868 to 1937. Walter dedicated his life to studying the natural world and built this museum within the grounds of his family’s estate to house his collection of specimens from across the world.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve selected our must-see highlights from each gallery.
Stand tall against a polar bear and come face-to-face with an emperor penguin.
Meet the polar bear that Walter purchased from the Northeast Siberian Trading Company, part of the historical wildlife trade between North America and Siberia. This specimen is thought to have inspired Raymond Briggs’ book The Bear.
Where can I see it?
Case 17
See one of the oldest specimens on display in our galleries. This emperor penguin was collected on an Antarctic expedition between 1839 and 1843 by botanist Joseph Dalton Hooker, one of Charles Darwin’s closest friends. We think that it may have been used to describe its species.
Where can I see it?
Case 8
This is our temporary exhibition space.
Come and visit our free display featuring images from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition taken by young photographers, including the Young Grand Title Winner. Alongside these images you can also see the competition’s Adult Grand Title Winner.
From tiny, dressed fleas to the bare skeleton of a giant sloth, this gallery is packed with rare and wonderful specimens.
Visit one of our most famous exhibits. Purchased in Mexico in 1905, these tiny, hand-dressed fleas were crafted by women there as folk art.
Where can I see it?
Case 1
“What hangs there like a frozen pig, or knot all twisted rude?” The answer is our giant ground sloth, or as German poet Joseph Victor von Scheffel called it – The Megatherium. This cast was made from the original specimen that inspired his poem. Come and meet this gentle giant that once roamed South America and sparked verse.
Come and see how many types of zebras and their relatives you can count in our display.
Explore the different species of zebra we have on display. No two zebras have the same stripe pattern, they’re as unique as fingerprints. But what do they use them for? Discover why they’re one of nature’s great mysteries.
Where can I see them?
Cases 2 to 5
Ever heard an animal cry that sounds like ‘kwa-ha-ha’? No? That’s probably because the quagga has been extinct since 1883, but in our galleries you’ll get to see one up close. Come and discover the animal named after the sound it makes.
Where can I see it?
Case 6
Out of all the different antelopes we have in this gallery, one stands out among all the others!
Say hello to the world’s largest species of antelope. Mostly found in Central Africa, these powerful animals can leap 1.5 metres high and sprint at over 70 kilometres per hour. Pretty impressive for such a heavy creature! Come and admire their extraordinary strength and speed.
Where can I see it?
Case 10
Over the course of his lifetime, Walter kept a staggering 64 cassowaries, 144 giant tortoises and many other specimens. Come and discover them!
Did you know pandas were once thought to be a type of racoon because of their shared traits? That’s why our panda sits in the racoon case, although thanks to DNA testing, we now know they belong to the same family as bears. Walter purchased this particular panda from a Russian collector who brought it from Gansu, China.
Where can I see it?
Case 28
See some of the 64 cassowaries and 144 giant tortoises that Walter kept during his lifetime. Ever wondered what a giant tortoise fancies for lunch? Walter experimented and found that his tortoises loved squash but turned their noses up at bananas. He loved tortoises so much that he even leased the island of Aldabra in the Indian Ocean to protect them from hunting.
Where can I see them?
Cases 54 and 55
This gallery, which includes temporary displays, is dedicated to Walter’s fascinating life and that of his family members. What could be more fitting in a room dedicated to Walter than a life-sized replica of one of his favourite animals – the giant tortoise!
Walter’s tenacious niece Miriam Rothschild didn’t let her lack of formal education stop her from becoming a world expert on fleas. She spent hours studying her uncle’s collections, discovering how fleas jump and adding many specimens herself. A passionate scientist and conservationist, she helped protect Britain’s wildlife and was the first woman to become a Trustee of the Natural History Museum.
Meet Miriam’s favourites – the tiger moths. She studied how they absorb toxins from plants, making themselves unappetising to predators. Their bold colours serve as a warning to those looking to make them their next meal. Her discoveries helped scientists to understand how insects use colour and chemistry to survive. Come and learn more about Miriam and these marvellous moths.
Take a break from exploring and refuel with drinks, lunches and cakes at our cafe, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to mid-afternoon.
Prefer to bring your own? Relax in our indoor and outdoor picnic areas, where we have tables with lift-up seats for wheelchair users.
Before you go, visit our shop for nature-inspired gifts for all ages. Open Tuesday to Sunday, and on bank holidays, from 10:00 to 17:00.
From floor to ceiling, each one of our galleries is full of surprises, whether it’s a polar bear with a literary past or a flea in a tiny outfit. Come and discover their fascinating stories and pick your own favourite specimen from our displays. Start planning your trip.
Encourage children to ask questions and discuss animal features with our free self-guided tours. Our self-guided tours are designed for use by an adult leading a small group of children.
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.
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