Natural History Museum has revealed its plans for the future, including an upgrade to its much-loved dinosaur gallery.
The museum has declared a planetary emergency, to coincide with this year's Davos Summit, where some of its scientists are speaking on climate issues, and has set out its plans as a scientific and cultural institution to tackle these issues.
New galleries will be created, with the intention of educating and engaging the public about planetary concerns. These include a new Children's Gallery, aimed at those aged 8 and under, and a 'new world-class dinosaur gallery'. There are also plans for a new science and digitisation centre beyond South Kensington, offering a safe and secure space to store the scientific specimens and preserve them for the future.
The location of the new dinosaur gallery within the museum depends on the new science and digitisation centre, a spokesperson told us — it's hoped that by moving some of the collection into the new centre, space will be freed up, allowing the museum to acquire new dinosaur specimens, and provide education about climate change and extinction. And let's face it, most people who visit the Natural History Museum come for the dinosaurs.
The location of the new Children's Gallery is also yet to be confirmed, though it's hoped that work will begin on it in the next three years. It will focus on humanity's relationship with the planet, with interactive elements to inspire younger visitors to look after the world around them.
Overall, these plans cover the next 11 years, taking us up to 2031, the 150th anniversary of the museum's South Kensington Waterhouse building. They're very much in the early stages at the moment, with nothing shored up. So maybe save that roar of delight for the time being.
Find out more on the Natural History Museum website.
