Hidden Gallery at Natural History Museum Reopens After 80 Years!
Hidden Gallery at Natural History Museum Reopens After 80 Years!
Step back in time! The Natural History Museum's hidden "Nature and Us" gallery, closed since WWII, is reopening in September. Discover 50 amazing objects exploring our relationship with nature!
Exciting news from London! The Natural History Museum is set to reopen a fascinating gallery that has been hidden from public view for over eight decades. Closed since 1943 during the Second World War, the "Nature and Us" space will welcome visitors once again starting September 16th.
This long-awaited reopening is a key part of the museum's ambitious NHM150 transformation project. This initiative plans to launch a new or revitalized gallery every year as the museum gears up for its 150th anniversary in 2031. The "Nature and Us" exhibition, supported by the Natural Environment Research Council, will initially run for 18 months, inviting guests to explore our ever-evolving relationship with the natural world through a collection of 50 remarkable objects.
Visitors can expect to discover a treasure trove of specimens and historic artifacts. Highlights include a miniature model of a Crystal Palace dinosaur, offering a glimpse into how early scientists imagined prehistoric life. Another poignant display features the Victorian skeleton of a monk seal named Jenny, illustrating the historical exploitation of wild animals for entertainment.
The exhibition also brings together surprising connections, like a Star Wars toy from the 1980s, encrusted with bryozoans, showing how everyday items become part of nature's story over time. A 400,000-year-old hand axe will challenge perceptions of early human existence, while a replica jaw from one of Britain’s earliest domesticated dogs (dating back 14,300 years) will highlight the enduring bond between humans and canines.
Dr. Doug Gurr, the director of the NHM, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Reopening this remarkable gallery is an exciting moment for the museum. For the first time in over 80 years, visitors will be able to step into this beautiful historic space and explore our changing relationship with the natural world." He emphasized that this is "another important step in our NHM150 transformation as we create new spaces that inspire people to become advocates for the planet." Don't miss this unique opportunity to delve into history and nature!
