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The Darwin Centre:: Nature’s Bounty

by Rhonda Carrier

This month sees Britain’s awesome ‘storehouse’ of animals, plants, minerals and fossils, the Natural History Museum , completed by the long-awaited full opening of its fabulous Darwin Centre, an eight-storey steel ‘cocoon’ within a glass box, attached to the side of the old building. Inside, 200 scientists conduct cutting-edge research and 22 million preserved specimens are displayed.

Some of the specimens were collected by none other than Charles Darwin – the naturalist behind the theory of evolution – during his famous second voyage on the HMS Beagle, when he visited the Galapagos Islands, where his observations of giant tortoises, black marine iguanas (which one of the crew dubbed ‘imps of darkness’), mockingbirds and finches led to some of his most important discoveries.

The Centre opens on 15th September. Entrance is free but you need to book for a timed slot (020 7942 5725). Highlights include interactive tours and ‘meet the scientist’ sessions in the Attenborough Studio.

Note that if you visit in the first week or so, you’ll also be able to visit the lovely Butterfly Jungle, an exotic butterfly house with a jungle trail and play area, closing on 27th September.
 
For more on attractions in the capital, see our London guide

Image © Torben Eskerod.

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