Welcome to the Museum, where you and your class can explore the wonders of nature and discover the stories behind our amazing collections.
We have range of gallery guides you can print off and use with your groups. You can reserve a lunch space with your booking.
Have you booked?
All school visits must be booked. For more information, see essential booking information for educators.
On the day
Parking for coaches
There are a limited number of stopping spaces for coaches in two locations - Queen's Gate and Cromwell Road. Coaches can stop for a maximum of 15 minutes to drop off and collect passengers.
We kindly remind coach parties and drivers that leaving an engine idling when stationary is an offence and may be subject to a fine by the local council. Out of respect for our neighbours and to reduce the carbon footprint in our surrounding area, please help us avoid any unnecessary pollution.
Where to go when you arrive
All school groups should use the entrance on Exhibition Road. (Visit the Getting here page to see its location.)
A staff member can direct you to School Reception on the lower ground floor of the Green Zone, where you can check in and use the toilet facilities.
Cloakroom spaces are very limited and cannot be guaranteed. Our team will always do their best to accommodate groups, but we would strongly recommend bringing as little as possible with you in case capacity is full.
If you have booked an activity, please allow sufficient time (at least 20 minutes) to register and get to the activity location.
Eating
A lunch space for the indoor picnic area can be reserved when you book. These are for 30 minutes at a set time between 11.00 and 13.30. This is subject to availability.
You can bring your own food or buy sandwiches, soft drinks, tea and coffee from our cafes.
Supervision guidelines
Minimum adult to pupil ratios, risk assesments and the code of conduct can be viewed on the essential information page.
Need to cancel a visit?
If you have booked a school activity and need to cancel, email our bookings team. They will provide a confirmation email. Please read our payment and cancellation conditions for charged-for school activities.
Our galleries
From dinosaurs to space, from fossils to wildlife, our galleries offer a rich and diverse learning experience for students of all ages and abilities.
Free gallery guides to enhance your visit
General and gallery specific activities for you to download and print before your visit.
Museum galleries popular with educational groups
Listed below are some of our most popular galleries with schools. Some have related teaching resources you can download.
You can browse the full list and download a map on our Explore the Museum page.
Gallery announcements
We sometimes need to close areas of the Museum for refurbishment. Check these updates before your visit.
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Dinosaurs, fossils and the ancient Earth
Dinosaurs
Meet incredible beasts in the famous Dinosaurs gallery. Tiptoe past the first T.rex skeleton ever discovered before spending time among the herbivores including a Triceratops skull and the first skeleton of an Iguanodon known to science.
Fossil Marine Reptiles
This gallery contains some of the most complete fossils of prehistoric sea animals in the world. Many were collected by the pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning.
Resource: Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter - gallery activity guide
From the Beginning
Explore the evolution of life on our planet. Discover early sea creatures, dinosaurs, mammals and ancient fossils. Find out how our solar system was formed and take a peak into the future.
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Humans and other animals
Mammals (blue whale model)
Check out the blue whale model suspended from the ceiling then have a close encounter with extinct mammoths, a giant elk, hippos, horses, and giraffes.
Human Evolution
Meet your ancient relatives, trace the origins and evolution of our species, and explore what makes us human. Embark on a seven-million-year journey, from the first hominins to the last surviving human species: us.
Birds
Discover an extinct dodo, our historical hummingbird cabinet, and a Victorian avian anatomy display. From endangered species to native British breeds and contemporary conservation efforts, explore the wonders of our bird collection.
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Geology, rocks and minerals
Volcanoes and Earthquakes
Learn about the amazing natural forces that shape our planet. See casts of victims from the Mount Vesuvius eruption of AD 79 and objects melted by lava flows. Learn about the ways we try to build against earthquake damage and brave the earthquake simulator.
Resource: Gallery activity guide
Earth's Treasury
Unearth minerals, gemstones and rocks. A glittering display includes everything from gold nuggets to Stonehenge rock and kryptonite. Find out how diamonds are formed and cut, plus examine royal links to precious stones.
Restless Surface
How has wind, water and other weather shaped the Earth? And how long has it taken? See dramatic rock and mountain formations and a giant stalagmite, and find out how they formed.
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The scientific process and living nature
Visit our new gardens
Opening soon, our gardens follow the story of how life on Earth has changed over time, from the days of the dinosaurs through to today.
Open daily from 18 July
Currently closed: The Cocoon
Inspire your students to learn more about the diversity of life by visiting this interactive gallery.
Find out how we store, care for and use our 20 million entomology and botany specimens, and hear some of the stories from behind the scenes.
Exhibition discounts
Pre-booked school and home educator groups receive a discount on exhibitions at the Museum.
Tickets cost £4 per student. Visits must be Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays, during school term times.
Exploring the Museum
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Access at South Kensington
Find out how to get around the Museum plus information about our cloakrooms, toilets, wheelchairs, lifts, parking, large-print and audio guides, and neurodiversity.
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Explore the Museum
Discover what you can see and do in the Natural History Museum's galleries, and where you can eat, drink and shop. All galleries are free, except some temporary exhibitions.
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School visits to South Kensington, London
We offer a range of curriculum-linked workshops and shows, as well as galleries for your group to explore.
