Museum of Zoology
A research hub since 1908, housing vast zoological collections of vertebrates, fossils, and preserved specimens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Special public access day
Museum of Zoology
Best Time
Special public access day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A research hub since 1908, housing vast zoological collections of vertebrates, fossils, and preserved specimens.
"A research museum with incredible, well-preserved artifacts, definitely worth checking out!"
🎯 Check for Special Events
Public access is often limited to specific days like 'Cal Day' in April.
✨ Free Entry!
Enjoy the wonders of zoology without an admission fee.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extinct Species Skeletons
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the skeletons of extinct animals, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life.
Butterflies Through Time Exhibition
Special Exhibition Area
Explore a captivating display of butterfly specimens, showcasing their diversity and evolution.
Preserved Animal Specimens
Display Cases
See a vast collection of preserved animals, from small insects to larger mammals, in jars and displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Research Focus, Limited Public Access
Discover Unique Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check for Special Events
Public access is often limited to specific days like 'Cal Day' in April. +1
✨ Free Entry!
Enjoy the wonders of zoology without an admission fee.
📚 Explore the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs, books, and gifts inspired by nature.
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Enhance your visit with an audio-descriptive guide for accessibility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check for Special Events
Public access is often limited to specific days like 'Cal Day' in April. +1
✨ Free Entry!
Enjoy the wonders of zoology without an admission fee.
📚 Explore the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs, books, and gifts inspired by nature.
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Enhance your visit with an audio-descriptive guide for accessibility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This museum is highly regarded for its incredible scientific collections, particularly its well-preserved vertebrate specimens and rare skeletons. While it's primarily a research institution with limited public access, special events offer a chance to explore its fascinating displays. Some visitors note the intense nature of certain exhibits, making it a unique, albeit not always conventional, museum experience.
"This is a research museum, not a public museum with exhibits, just to be clear. And as a research museum, it’s one of the best in the world for tetrapod vertebrates. The quality of science that has come out of this institution in the last 100+ years, is absolutely incredible. Once a year, on Cal day, they open up and have things out for public display. Cal day is on a Saturday in April so just check the calendar."
Steve Takata
"Shocking to see many well preserved artifacts, definitely worth checking out!"
Andrew Li
"There are some cool fossil replicas in here!"
Stacy Daigh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of Zoology is often located within university campuses. For the UCL Grant Museum, it's in the Rockefeller Building, WC1E 6DE, London.
Parking can be challenging in urban areas where museums are located. It's generally advised to use public transportation.
Opening hours vary significantly as it's a research institution. Public access is often limited to special events like 'Cal Day' in April. +1 Always check the official website for current access information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many Museum of Zoology locations offer free entry, making them great budget-friendly options.
The best time for public access is typically during special events like 'Cal Day', usually held on a Saturday in April. +1 These events offer broader access to collections.
While it's a research institution, access for researchers can sometimes be limited for simple visits. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about research access policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a vast collection of over 68,000 specimens, including rare skeletons, preserved animals in jars, and fossils.
Yes, children can find the diverse animal specimens fascinating. However, some displays, like dissected embryos, might be intense for very young children.
While primarily a research collection, some special exhibitions may offer interactive elements. The focus is more on the scientific display of specimens.
The Grant Museum of Zoology offers an audio-descriptive guide for visually impaired visitors, enhancing accessibility.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but check for any specific restrictions.
The giant whale skeleton and the diverse array of preserved animals in jars offer striking photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 However, be mindful that some displays, such as dissected embryos or infant specimens, might be intense for very young or sensitive children. It’s a great opportunity to spark curiosity about science and nature in an engaging, albeit sometimes unusual, environment.🤓 Students & Researchers
💰 Budget Travelers
This allows visitors to explore a wealth of natural history without any cost. However, it's crucial to verify public access days, as the museum's primary function is research, and it may not be open daily to the general public. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Museum's Role
The collections are invaluable for scientific study, housing over 68,000 specimens.
These include rare skeletons, fossils, and a vast array of preserved animals. This focus on research means that the atmosphere can feel more academic, and the displays are curated with scientific significance in mind. For those interested in the intricacies of zoology and natural history, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the field.While public access can be restricted, special events like 'Cal Day' in April aim to bridge the gap between the research institution and the public.
Exploring the Collections
Visitors can also marvel at the Butterflies Through Time exhibition, showcasing a diverse range of butterfly specimens from March to September. Beyond these featured displays, the museum's display cases are filled with preserved animals in jars and stuffed specimens.
This includes everything from small reptiles and amphibians to larger mammals, providing a comprehensive overview of the animal kingdom. Some visitors find these displays to be quite striking and even a bit 'creepy,' especially around Halloween. The sheer volume and variety of specimens are a testament to the museum's long history of collection and research.For those seeking a deeper understanding, the museum also offers audio-descriptive guides, enhancing the experience for visually impaired visitors.
This commitment to accessibility ensures that more people can appreciate the scientific and historical significance of the collections. The museum shop also offers unique gifts and books, allowing visitors to take a piece of their zoological journey home. 
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