Natural history museums are fascinating places that offer a glimpse into the past and present states of the natural world. We particularly like how they are prime examples of science communication and visual storytelling. From dinosaurs to ancient civilizations, from scientific illustrations to art and design, natural history museums showcase the incredible diversity of life on Earth and tell the stories of how it has evolved.
We know you’re a fan of natural history, so you won’t want to miss visiting some of the best natural history museums in the world. Here are nine that you should add to your bucket list!
Natural History Museum | London, England
Located in the heart of the city, London’s Natural History Museum is home to a vast collection of specimens and artifacts from around the world, including some that are globally renowned. The museum’s collection includes more than 80 million specimens, ranging from ancient fossils and minerals to modern plant and animal samples. The museum’s most popular exhibits include the Dinosaurs Gallery, which features a collection of fossils from the world’s most well-known dinosaurs, and the Treasures Gallery, which showcases the museum’s most precious and unique specimens. Its Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit offers global recognition to wildlife photographers who can apply for the opportunity to have their work showcased.
In addition to its impressive collection, the Natural History Museum is also home to a team of scientists and researchers dedicated to understanding and conserving the natural world. In addition to publishing an online magazine, the museum hosts various educational programs and events, including workshops and public lectures, which enable visitors to learn more about the natural world.
The American Museum of Natural History | New York City, United States
This iconic American Museum of Natural History is home to more than 32 million specimens and artifacts, including some of the most famous dinosaur fossils in the world. Visitors flock to this museum’s renowned exhibits that include the Hall of Dinosaurs, the Hall of Biodiversity, and the Hall of Human Origins. It routinely admits school groups for field trips and has commissioned educators to create a repository of learning resources searchable by grade level and topics so that field trips can be supplemented with relevant educational materials.
Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle | Paris, France
Located in the heart of the city, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle is home to a splendid collection of artifacts and specimens from around the world. The museum’s highlights include fossilized remains of our earliest human ancestors, the most expansive collection of meteorites in Europe, and an enormous collection of minerals and gems. It prides itself on using its expertise to inform the work of both private and public stakeholders and influence decision-making that impacts the natural world and our collective future.
Australian Museum | Sydney, Australia
Dedicated to the natural history of Australia and the Pacific region, the Australian Museum is home to a wide variety of specimens and artifacts. The museum’s signature exhibits are uniquely focused on Australia and include the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collection, the Australian Fossil and Mineral Collection, and the Australian Wildlife Collection. The museum’s online magazine and podcast share learnings from its scientific research and showcase its efforts to preserve the planet’s rich biodiversity.
The National Museum of Natural Science | Taipei, Taiwan
The National Museum of Natural Science, Taipei, holds an impressive collection of specimens and artifacts sourced globally, including an extensive display of dinosaur fossils, minerals, and gemstones. The museum’s biggest attractions are the Hall of Earth Science, the Hall of Life Science, and the Hall of Human Cultures. A green haven for urbanites, its 4.5-hectare Botanical Garden displays Taiwan’s native plants and vegetation.
The Field Museum | Chicago, United States
Located in the heart of the windy city, the Field Museum is home to a global collection of specimens and artifacts. If you’re visiting the Field Museum, be sure to check out their flagship exhibits: the Hall of Dinosaurs, the Hall of Evolution, and the Hall of Ancient Egypt. The museum’s Winter in Chicago Field Guides incentivizes patrons to step out in Chicago’s bitter winters to explore the native flora and fauna of the season.
The Museum für Naturkunde | Berlin, Germany
The Museum für Naturkunde’s 30 million-strong collection of specimens and artifacts from the natural world includes several interesting fossils and a comprehensive collection of minerals and gemstones. The Hall of Evolution, the Hall of Prehistoric Life, and the Hall of Minerals and Gems are worth a visit.
The museum’s Naturblick app, available in German app stores, is an excellent example of science communication oriented toward the general public. The app uses image and sound recognition technologies to help users easily identify birds, animals, and plants. Its Data Portal, released in early 2021, is an incredibly useful resource that makes the museum’s collections available for scientific study as part of international research infrastructure.
The Natural History Museum | Los Angeles, United States
Located in the heart of the city, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has amassed a large assortment of specimens and artifacts spread across popular exhibits like the Hall of Evolution, the Hall of Prehistoric Life, and the Hall of Minerals and Gems. The museum’s interactive exhibits and educational programs are a big draw for visitors of all ages.
The museum is also noteworthy for its research center which conducts scientific research on a variety of natural history topics. Its Research and Collections department offers grants to offset the travel costs of students who wish to access its collections for research and extends for-credit internships to local students from USC, Occidental, the Claremont Colleges, and state and community colleges.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History | Dublin, Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland’s 2 million strong collection of specimens includes samples of rare Irish flora and fauna. The museum’s exhibits cover a broad range of topics, including geology, botany, zoology, and paleontology.
The museum is a well-known attraction for both locals and tourists. Its interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages make it an enjoyable and educational experience for the whole family.
For anyone interested in the natural world, these are must-see destinations! From dinosaurs to ancient civilizations and far-off locales to backyard biodiversity, these museums cover it all, offering the curious a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and a chance to explore natural world media and storytelling.
