Collections

The Museum has over seven million historical and modern specimens encompassing the natural world. They include five million insects; over half a million fossils, rocks and minerals; and over 250,000 zoological specimens. There is also a library of around 20,000 books and an archive containing approximately half a million manuscripts. 

The Main Court of the Museum will be transformed in 2023-24, with the large showcases replaced and beautiful new displays installed. During this time some displays will move or be removed, with some areas of the court temporarily inaccessible. Museum opening hours will remain as normal, daily from 10am to 5pm. Read more on the Life, As We Know It project information page.