Darwin Centre Phase Two

Imagine exploring the inside of a giant ‘cocoon’ to discover an array of fascinating plants and insects. In 2009 this amazing vision will become a reality.

The Darwin Centre is the Museum’s most significant development to date. It’s the only place in the UK where visitors can interact daily with natural science experts, seeing how the collections are helping us to address issues such as the quality of our air, the causes of disease and the maintenance of delicate ecosystems around the world.

Phase Two will continue our mission to take visitors behind the scenes. Innovative, hands-on learning displays and resources will prompt them to explore the natural world and encourage their involvement in efforts to conserve biodiversity.

The building will cost over £70 million and will safeguard the Museum’s 28 million insects and six million plants from the biggest threat to dry collections – attack from pests. Darwin Centre Phase Two will also provide state of the art laboratories for the Museum's scientific staff.

Darwin Centre Phase One houses the Museum’s collection of 22 million specimens stored in spirit and opened in September 2002 to worldwide acclaim from visitors, scientists and other institutions.

Architecture

An innovative and world-leading project like the Darwin Centre deserves to be housed in an inspirational building.
Visitor Experience

Darwin Centre Explore will provide a self-guided journey of discovery across several floors within the cocoon.
Collections

The Museum’s huge entomology and botany collections are vital to our research into global concerns.
Support

We need your support. Help us achieve this bold vision.