The history of the Science Museum and Natural History Museum in London
These days, natural history museums provide thrilling experiences for students. Gone are the days when you were only allowed to cast your eyes on 'boring' specimens and signs which read 'Do Not Touch' which extinguished any interest you had in the natural sciences.
Today' however, modern museums offer plenty to explore. There are plenty of free activities happening each day and interactive activities to keep everyone spellbound. Hands-on, action-packed programmes ensure that any budding natural scientist will have their passions ignited instead of diminished.
History of the Science Museum - keeping up with the Pace of Chance
The history of the Science Museum over the last 150 years is one of constant change. The exhibition galleries keep up with rapid changes, which sometimes means the removal of popular objects to store. The Science Museum in London had its origins in 1851 and was found in Hyde Park in a glass building known as the Crystal Palace.
Of course, space became an issue and Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of new buildings in 1899, directing that the Museum should be renamed 'The Victoria and Albert Museum'. In 1909 the name changed to 'Science Museum'. The interest of children was also to be stimulated with the opening of a 'Children's Gallery' in 1931.
The Second World War brought disruption and buildings from 1862 were demolished to construct rooms to house different divisions and to make the museum more user-friendly. Cafes and restaurants opened, and the museum is open every day. There is also a Science Museum shop jam-packed with exciting gadgets and experiments and you can find some fascinating gifts too. There is always staff on hand to offer assistance.
Natural History Museum in London - thrilling wonders of the ancient world
This fascinating museum opened its doors on 18 April 1881. A doctor, Sir Hans Sloane travelled the world collecting natural history specimens, and after his death in 1753, his will allowed Parliament to buy his huge collection of thousands of items. This was for a sum of money which was far less than its estimated value. The government built the British Museum to display these items to the public.
In 1864 Francis Fowke designed the Natural History Museum. After he died, Alfred Waterhouse came up with a new plan for the South Kensington site and his magnificent architecture turned the museum into a work of art and an iconic landmark in London. Waterhouse also designed an amazing series of animal and plant statues and ornaments. Other buildings have been added and Hintze Hall, the Museum's central space, was redeveloped in 2017. There is Dippy the Diplodocus skeleton, an earthquake simulator, the first T.Rex fossil ever discovered and so much more to lose yourself in.
London Museum - Come into their Captivating Interiors
Museums may not have been marvels at one time, but today they are living, interactive, thrilling wonders of the ancient word attracting old and young into their enthralling, captivating interiors.
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