Online exhibitions

Natural history art and photography can educate and inspire us just as much as the written word can. From the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to art created on the first voyage of scientific discovery, don’t miss the opportunity to browse our online galleries. See the world through the eyes of photographers, scientists, painters and explorers and discover top tips to create your own outstanding wildlife record.

  • Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Wildlife Photographer of the Year

    Don't worry if you missed this world famous exhibition – the images can be found online on our site all year round.

  • Art themes
    Art themes

    Explore the many themes, including Natural Wonders and Caught in Oils, that represent the different aspects of our Art Collection.

  • The MacGillivray Art Collection
    The MacGillivray Art Collection

    Marvel at William MacGillivray's gallery of over 200 watercolour paintings depicting British birds, fish and mammals.

  • Endeavour botanical illustrations
    Endeavour botanical illustrations

    Browse the botanical drawings from onboard HMS Endeavour (1768–1771) – the first voyage devoted exclusively to scientific discovery.

  • The First Fleet Art Collection
    First Fleet Artwork Collection

    One of the unplanned but long-lasting outcomes of The First Fleet voyage was the large number of outstanding drawings of aboriginal people, the environment and wildlife.

  • Barn Owl photograph by Nick Oliver
    Taking great photos with basic equipment (video)

    Get top tips on photography from award-winning photographer Nick Oliver.

  • British wildlife gallery
    British wildlife gallery

    This gallery represents the work of some of the foremost British wildlife and botanical artists.

Cartoon image of a hatchet fish on a museum pass

In World War II the Museum was used as a secret base to develop new gadgets for allied spies, including an exploding rat!