We're not trying to lure you down a #FridayFeeling dino-shaped rabbit hole (okay, maybe we are), but have you seen the reel of our Gallery Albums, zooming in on Museum visitors past? See every page here: buff.ly/rbGgrFP #MuseumArchives #DigitisedCollections #FridayFaces #HistoryOfFashion

Recent new additions to our library book collections 📚️

Visitors to our reading room can access our physical and online collections.

⬆️Use the link in our bio to learn more about our collections and how to make an appointment.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Whale #Moths #Snakes #Botany

16 October 2026, 11.00 - 15.00.
Location: Lasting Impressions Gallery.
(Free, drop in.)

Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to enter this collection space, speak with the Library and Archives team, and view a selection of material from across the collections.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum

When the NHM opened in 1881, visitors with cameras had to buy a permit and send two copies of each print to the Museum’s collections. You can scroll through a few highlights from each album by swiping left in this post. See every page here: buff.ly/31893CL
#MuseumArchives #DigitisedCollections

Recent new additions to our library botanical journal collections 📚️

Visitors to our reading room can access our physical and online collections.

⬆️Use the link in our bio to learn more about our collections and how to make an appointment.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Botany

Thomas Pennant's (1726-1798) body of work spanned natural history, antiquities and travel. To celebrate his tercentenary, we've added his correspondence and catalogues to our Digital Special Collections: buff.ly/ZFULOe0. #Manuscripts #18thCentury #HistoryOfScience #HistoryOfNaturalHistory

Every celebration deserves cake!

In 1950, Museum botanist John Ramsbottom's retirement was marked with this fungi-bedecked baking showstopper!

We wonder who got the Stinkhorn slice...

#NaturalHistoryMuseum ##GBBO #Bakeoff #ExploreYourArchive

In 1965, it was merged with the British Geological Survey (BGS) @bgs.ac.uk. The BGS moved out of London to Keyworth, Nottinghamshire in 1980 and five years later, the Geological Museum, which had remained, was merged with the Natural History Museum.

In the 1930s, the Museum moved to South Kensington from its home in Jermyn Street, London. One of the architects of the new building was Sir Richard Allinson, who had also designed the Science Museum. The Museum was re-opened in its new Exhibition Road location on 3 July 1935.

#ExploreYourArchives

Do you remember visiting the Geological Museum when the galleries looked like this?

For many, it is a complete surprise to see this image from our archives.

The Geological Museum was founded in 1835 by Sir Henry de la Beche; the first institution of its kind in the world.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum

A peek at what is on the returns shelf at our Ornithology Library @NHM_Tring.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum #Booksky #ModernCollections #Birds #Nightjar #Penguin

16 October 2026, 11.00 - 15.00.
Location: Lasting Impressions Gallery.
(Free, drop in.)

Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to enter this collection space, speak with the Library and Archives team, and view a selection of material from across the collections.

#NaturalHistoryMuseum

Dig Deeper: The Traveller with Andrea Wulf
Tuesday 8 September 18:30–20:00

Join us for a special evening as acclaimed author Andrea Wulf explores the remarkable life and legacy of eighteenth-century naturalist George Forster.

£25 (Members £15)

Book tickets: buff.ly/3UGnwhq

Diversity: It's in our nature. Happy Pride 2026 from NHM Library and Archives! (All images taken from artwork in our collections.) #Pride #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2026