Darwin collection at the Natural History Museum

In September 2009 the Natural History museum opened a new exhibit in the form of an 8 storey high extension displaying the Charles Darwin collection.

Tying in nicely with a big movie release about Darwin's life, this new addition is shaped like a massive ivory white cocoon and holds both the Darwin centre and a research and exhibition resource dedicated to the man himself.

The structure, which is a talking point in its own right, was constructed from concrete and represents the biggest single addition to the museum since 1881.

What the center offers

Although highlighting the discoveries and insights of Darwin, the centre is set to demonstrate the importance of science in an ever changing world and it will look at not just the evolution of animal species, but the continuous change of the planet.

The new structure cost 78 million pounds Stirling and some of its statistics are nothing short awe inspiring. There are over three million plant exhibits and an astounding seventeen million insects. In total there are something close to 70 million specimens in the archive.

Interaction

Another feature of the new cocoon is what some museum aficionados are describing as "living exhibits". These exhibits are nothing short of real scientists pursuing real research, but being completely visible through double glazed soundproof panelling. In fact, the interaction is even greater in some zones where simply pressing a button can allow you to talk directly with a researcher working on, for example, the plant presses.

The objective of the new centre is not just to display, but to educate, enlighten and motivate the next generation of Darwin like scientists. The museum hope that this new and exciting addition will increase still further the number of visitors to this popular London attraction.