Natural History Museum Reviews Summary

Exhibit Variety and Content

Pros:

• "The exhibits cover an extensive range – from ancient fossils to stunning gemstones."
• "Life-sized models and genuine fossils created an immersive experience."
• "The diversity of the collections ensures there's something to pique the interest of every visitor."
• "The museum boasts a wide range of specimens from various branches of natural history."
• "This is a beautiful museum dedicated to nature and the history of nature."
• "The museum is home to life and earth science specimens comprising some 80 million items."
• "It has so much wonderful information about the earth and its creation."
• "The museum includes a full section about dinosaurs, a section about earth including details with respect to plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes."

Cons:

• "Some of the popular areas are very busy, so you have to be patient if you want to see everything."
• "Unfortunately, some exhibits were closed and under construction so we couldn’t visit everything."
• "The blue whale exhibition is currently closed till March 2024."
• "Some of the displays were “okay”, there was nothing that took my breath away."
• "It was really crowded around the “Dino” areas."
• "The museum was absolutely packed and it was near impossible to actually stop and read and information that was posted about the exhibits."
• "Some of the younger generation seemed to be there under duress. Bored out of their tiny minds bless them."
• "The museum is great, but some areas are very warm and stuffy, making it uncomfortable to visit."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Many public bathrooms are available around the museum."
• "There are separate sections for the planet, mammals, sea life, critters, dinosaurs, and a Darwin center."
• "Areas include videos with sign language options too."
• "There are plenty of fans for comfort and lots of seating for comfort breaks."
• "The museum has free water dispensing points."
• "There are also coffee shops, gift shop, and toilet facilities."
• "The museum has few cafe’s and they are open until museum closing time."
• "Great for kids and great for adults. So much history to see. And you can get so close to it all which is incredible."

Cons:

• "The part of the museum with minerals is excellent! The dinosaur part is packed with people, no moving air despite fans."
• "The museum was absolutely packed and it was near impossible to actually stop and read and information that was posted about the exhibits."
• "The cafeteria is even good if you need a little bite to eat I'll stop obviously it's a little pricier than finding something outside."
• "The food however is extortionate - would highly recommend taking your own picnic."
• "Unfortunately, the air conditioning inside is not working properly and the visit was a little painful this weekend."
• "The place is very crowded. Lots of places to eat, sit or drink. Not so much interactivity in my opinion."
• "Very hot inside so be prepared. In many ways I enjoyed the stunning architectural details more than the collection!"
• "There's something for everyone there. We paid extra for Titanosaur Exhibition, and was disappointed, we were expecting more for the amount it costs."

Architecture and Aesthetics

Pros:

• "The building itself is also very impressive and has amazing architecture."
• "Wonderful building with amazing architecture."
• "The grandeur of its architecture comes alive, casting a mesmerizing glow."
• "The architecture of the building is beautiful."
• "The building (like, it seems, almost any building in London) is marvelous both inside and outside."
• "One of the most interesting museums I’ve been too in London."
• "The architecture is mind-blowing – I couldn't resist snapping countless pictures of the place itself."
• "The architecture of the building is so stunning!! And on the wall you have even little cute animals in there!"

Cons:

• "Sections of the building and ground was under renovation but this didn't take away from the beauty of the building."
• "The museum is very large and can take multiple hours to explore fully."
• "The museum is huge and you need at least a few hours to explore."
• "Honestly, I was a little disappointment. Especially if you have seen the natural history museums in New York and Washington, this one falls short."
• "If you leave your jackets and bags at the cloakroom expect them to be covered in dust when you collect them."
• "The sheer volume and quality of items on display is astounding. However, it can be very warm and stuffy in summer, best to visit at other times."
• "The museum is good but I always get a headache afterwards. It is stuffy and hot in there, and very noisy."
• "The inside of the building is very big. It houses one of the famous bones of a prehistoric dinosaur."

Staff and Customer Service

Pros:

• "The staff are friendly and eager to help you if you need assistance."
• "Staff were helpful and considerate."
• "The staff are always friendly and available to answer any questions you have."
• "The staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful if they tried."
• "The staff managing q were very condescending and seemed to care very little about the wait."
• "The staff are fun and very helpful."
• "The staff are friendly and helpful, adding to the overall pleasant experience."
• "The staff were very helpful and friendly, making the experience enjoyable."

Cons:

• "However, I feel if you book tickets you should be allowed in at anytime. We had to wait over an hour and a half in the q."
• "The queue to get in the museum took a while, but I did go on a Saturday."
• "The museum is quite busy and the staff seem overwhelmed at times."
• "The staff managing q were very condescending and seemed to care very little about the wait."
• "The museum of Natural History is a must if you're visiting London. Among their massive collection you can see countless animals' exhibits spanning all the way from prehistoric species to modern-day creatures. A walk through the dinosaurs section is guaranteed to leave you in awe!"
• "It is not a museum anymore, more like a giant playground for families to bring kids."
• "The building is amazing and the skeletons as well but the rest seems quite out dated…"
• "I would recommend booking your (free) ticket in advance anyway, to avoid the massive queues at the entrance."

Overall Experience and Recommendations

Pros:

• "Overall, what an awesome and enjoyable experience."
• "An amazing experience overall where one can learn and see displays including some interactive ones."
• "Overall it was an incredible place and a must see for anyone visiting London."
• "Overall it was a great experience 🤩"
• "Overall, a nice family day out, which once upon a time was near enough virtually ‘free’."
• "Overall, this is very impressive to visit this museum, and one day viewing is definitely not enough."
• "Overall it was a good day out at the museum."
• "Overall, the museum continues to inspire, blending historical wonders with unexpected connections to modern culture."

Cons:

• "So very fun for families with children, but not a must do, unless you only come for the main hall ;)"
• "Overall the experience wasn’t as good as I expected it to be."
• "Overall, the museum is great, but some areas are very warm and stuffy, making it uncomfortable to visit."
• "Overall, the experience wasn’t as good as I expected it to be."
• "Overall, the museum is fascinating but can be very crowded, which diminishes the experience."
• "Overall, the museum is great, but the organization and experience of being there was such a huge let down."
• "Overall, the museum is great, but the experience can be affected by the crowds and lack of adequate climate control."
• "Overall, the museum is worth visiting, but be prepared for crowds and a potentially overwhelming experience."