A grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels are an alien species from the USA and have displaced the native red squirrel over much of the UK. One advantage the greys have over the reds is the ability to digest acorns. A grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels are an alien species from the USA and have displaced the native red squirrel over much of the UK. One advantage the greys have over the reds is the ability to digest acorns.

Skip to page content

Primary navigation

Temporary exhibitions

Enjoy our free, family-friendly exhibitions.

Wallace, Darwin and Evolution

Explore a rare display of original specimens and documents from two of Britain’s greatest scientists. Find out how Alfred Russel Wallace, educated in Hertford, jointly discovered the theory of natural selection with Charles Darwin and why Darwin's pigeons contributed more to his study of evolution than his famous finches.

13 October 2008 - 18 January 2009

Please note: Gallery 6, the Rothschild Room and parts of Gallery 5 are closed for major refurbishment. Please enjoy the rest of the museum during your visit. 


Wildlife Photographer of the Year - Coming soon

See the winners of this year’s competition in the 2008 Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. 

31 January - 8 March 2009

Print version
Find out about Darwin200 events.
Cartoon image of a stegasaurus disappearing through closing door

The first collected specimen of Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made, is kept in the Museum.