The Natural History Museum in South Kensington, London, is set to reopen two galleries that have remained hidden from the public for decades. Among them is the Old General Herbarium, which has not been accessible to visitors since 1948. This gallery will debut in 2026 as part of a pop-up exhibition called Hidden Histories. Additionally, the Origins Gallery, closed since 2004, will be transformed into the Land and Air Gallery ahead of the museum’s 150th birthday in 2031.
These galleries currently house a significant portion of the museum’s extensive collection, which includes around 80 million specimens. For every taxidermied animal on display, there are approximately 3,000 specimens stored away. The reopening of these spaces will require the relocation of nearly 38 million specimens next year. Some items will be moved within the South Kensington building, while others will be transferred to the Thames Valley Science Park, a multimillion-pound research facility located near Reading.
Ambitious Plans for the Future
The initiative is led by Doug Gurr, who has served as the museum’s director since 2020. Gurr has set an ambitious goal of introducing “one new thing a year” at the institution until 2031. This strategy aligns with the museum’s NHM Unlocked programme, which aims to showcase more of its vast collections while establishing a scientific hub to address pressing issues like the climate crisis. The programme has received government funding to support these efforts.
As reported by the Times, the reopening of these galleries not only aims to enrich visitor experience but also to enhance public understanding of the museum’s research and conservation efforts. The museum encourages visitors to stay informed about its developments and offers a guide for planning visits on its website.
With these initiatives, the Natural History Museum is poised to engage a broader audience and further its mission as a leading institution for scientific exploration and education.
