Three people talk as two others take a selfie outside Waterhouse Building

Beyond the Galleries Tour

Join us for a special tour package that combines our Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour with a behind-the-scenes library session, where you’ll get to view our most treasured archive materials up close.

  • East Entrance, South Kensington
  • Every Friday until 27 June, 15.00–16.30
  • Adult: £25, Child: £20, Adult member: £20, Child member: £16

This brand-new tour package offers you an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.

Your journey begins with our Secrets of the Natural History Museum Tour, which explores the fascinating history of our stunning building and uncovers the mysteries it holds. Starting in the late 1800s, you’ll see digital copies of original sketches and architectural plans for the building, before discovering how it was added to in the twenty-first century.

Following the tour, we’ll take you on a 30-minute behind-the-scenes visit to our beautiful library. Our knowledgeable Assistant Archivist will tell you all about our libraries and the fascinating and important archives and collections they hold.

They’ll also divulge the conservation techniques they use to care for these delicate materials to ensure they survive for future generations. Plus, they’ll show you original archival pieces, from Alfred Waterhouse’s original drawings to historic wartime photography.

This tour is only for ages 12+.

Accessibility information

  • This tour takes place on the Ground Floor, First Floor and Second Floor of our building. The route is fully wheelchair accessible using lifts.
  • If we’re experiencing high visitor numbers, we may give you headsets to wear, as the galleries are likely to be noisy.
  • Hearing loops are available. Let your guide know if you’d like to use a set.
  • Let your guide know if you’d like to use the available seating along the tour route.
  • The route covers a large area. We can provide you with a wheelchair or folding chair to carry if you email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.
  • Guide dogs are welcome at the Museum and on this tour. Water for them is available on request.
  • There’s an accessible toilet on the Ground Floor of Hintze Hall at the back under the stairs. We also have a Changing Places toilet in our Blue Zone.
  • To request a free ticket for a carer or personal assistant accompanying an individual with a disability call us on +44(0)20 7942 5000 Monday to Friday, 09.00–17.00. Tickets are subject to availability.
  • If you’d like to discuss accessibility requirements or alternative approaches, email our Guided Tours Team at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk.

Visiting information

  • Your tour guide will meet you outside our East Entrance on Exhibition Road. There will be a sign pointing to this location.
  • Arrive on time, as the tour will start promptly.
  • This tour is strictly for ages 12+.
  • This tour runs during our public opening hours. Headsets may be provided if the Museum is experiencing peak visitor numbers.
  • Your tour ticket grants you access to the Museum up to one hour before your scheduled tour. If you plan to arrive earlier, you may need to get a general admission ticket or join the walk-in queue.
  • Entry to our paid exhibitions is not included in your tour ticket, these must be bought separately.
  • You must bring an electronic or printed copy of your ticket with you.
  • We’re unable to accommodate additional guests on the day.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.
  • We’re unable to provide refunds or exchanges to latecomers.
  • Ticket price doesn’t include use of our cloakroom.
  • Ticket prices are subject to change.
  • Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, Monday to Friday 09.30–17.30 or email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk
  • To request a private tour email us at guidedtours@nhm.ac.uk
  • We reserve the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timings or content of the activities. This is to ensure that we deliver a safe experience for guests at all times.

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member? Join today.

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