15 Interesting Facts About the Natural History Museum

Introduction:

The Natural History Museum of London is one of the world’s largest collection of artifacts and specimens related to the natural world. From dinosaurs fossils to insects in amber, the museum has something for everyone. Here are 15 interesting facts about the Natural History Museum that will help you understand its rich history and amazing exhibits.

Fact 1: It Is One of the Oldest Museums in the World

The Natural History Museum was founded in 1753 as part of the British Museum. The museum was originally located in Bloomsbury, London and moved to its current location in South Kensington in 1881. Since then, the museum has grown to include over 80 million items in its collection.

Fact 2: It Is Home to Over 80 Million Specimens

This impressive collection makes the Natural History Museum the fifth largest natural history collection in the world. It features an impressive selection of items from living plants to extinct species, minerals, rocks, fossils, manuscripts, and more.

Fact 3: It Is Home to Some of the World’s Most Famous Fossils

The museum’s fossils include the remains of famous animals like the dodo, extinct giant ground sloth, and the extinct Tasmanian tiger. Other fossilized remains on display at the museum include dinosaur bones, ammonites, trilobites, and more.

Fact 4: It Is Home to Some of the World’s Oldest Rocks

The museum’s collection includes some of the oldest rocks in the world, dating back to the dawn of life on earth. These ancient rocks not only provide insight into Earth’s distant past, but they also help scientists learn more about the planet’s evolution.

Fact 5: It Has an Impressive Art Collection

The museum is also home to an impressive art collection, which includes paintings, sketches, and photographs of the animal and plant kingdoms. The artwork on display in the museum provide valuable insight into how different species have evolved over time.

Fact 6: It Is Home to Live Animal Exhibits

The museum also hosts live animal exhibits, which showcase different species from around the world. These exhibits allow visitors to learn more about the animal world and observe the behaviors of different species.

Fact 7: It Has a Comprehensive Insect Collection

The Natural History Museum has an impressive collection of insects, which includes both live and fossilized specimens. The collection includes an extensive selection of butterflies, beetles, moths, and other species from around the world.

Fact 8: It Has a Fascinating Mollusk Collection

The Natural History Museum is also home to an extensive mollusk collection, which includes over 200,000 specimens. This collection includes both living and fossilized species from around the world, as well as a diverse selection of shells from different regions.

Fact 9: It Is Home to Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

The museum also houses a diverse collection of artifacts from Ancient Egypt, which include mummies, figurines, jewelry, and more. This collection allows visitors to explore the rich culture and history of the Ancient Egyptians.

Fact 10: It Has an Extensive Botanical Collection

The Natural History Museum is also home to an extensive botanical collection, which includes over 5 million plant specimens. This collection includes living plants, as well as fossilized specimens of plants that lived millions of years ago.

Fact 11: It Houses a Collection of Ancient Maps and Globes

The museum also has a collection of maps and globes that date back centuries. This collection allows visitors to explore how geography and cartography have changed over time.

Fact 12: It Has a Comprehensive Collection of Rocks and Minerals

The museum also hosts an impressive selection of rocks and minerals from around the world. These specimens can provide valuable insights into the formation and age of our planet.

Fact 13: It Has a Collection of Prehistoric Skeletons

The skeleton collection at the Natural History Museum features a wide range of fossils from different periods. The collection includes the remains of long-extinct species such as the Woolly Mammoth, as well as more recent creatures such as the Tasmanian Tiger.

Fact 14: It Has a Collection of Rare Manuscripts

The museum also houses a collection of rare manuscripts from around the world. These manuscripts include religious texts, scholarly documents, scientific papers, and other works of historic interest.

Fact 15: It Hosts a Variety of Educational Programs

The Natural History Museum hosts a variety of educational programs for people of all ages. These programs can help visitors learn more about the natural world and explore the museum’s diverse exhibits.

Conclusion

The Natural History Museum of London is an amazing place filled with interesting facts and artifacts. From fossils to live animals, there is something for everyone here. These 15 facts will help you understand the rich history and impressive exhibits of the museum.