Natural History Museum in London Reopens Gallery After 83 Years

On September 16, 2026, the Natural History Museum in London reopened its 'Nature and Us' gallery, ending a closure that lasted more than 80 years. Tucked away on the second floor of the Waterhouse building, the space had been sealed off since 1943 following damage sustained during World War II. Its return marks a significant step in the museum’s work to refresh its displays and better connect with its audience. Within the gallery, 50 specimens and objects are on display, each chosen to illustrate the changing relationship between humanity and the natural world.

The history of the room itself is as layered as the exhibits it houses. Once used for osteology and later for botanical collections, the space has seen many uses over the decades. This project falls under the NHM150 initiative, a plan to modernize the South Kensington site with new and updated galleries before the museum reaches its 150th anniversary in 2031. Dr. Doug Gurr, the museum's director, noted his enthusiasm for the public to finally step inside, pointing to the deep history and the various stories preserved within the walls.

For the first 18-month phase, the museum is asking for visitor feedback to help design the permanent version of the exhibit, which is set to open in 2029. The design retains the original wooden herbarium cabinets, keeping a physical link to the building's past. By involving the public in this way, the museum aims to make the development process more inclusive, ensuring the final display reflects the interests of the community it serves.

The 'Nature and Us' gallery looks at more than just history, touching on the economic and environmental choices that have shaped our world. By showing how generations of people have understood and altered their surroundings, the exhibit encourages visitors to consider their own place in the natural environment. In an era of significant environmental change, the museum hopes this perspective will foster a greater sense of stewardship and a more sustainable outlook among those who walk through its doors.

This reopening is a single chapter in the Natural History Museum’s broader mission to keep science and natural history accessible. As work continues toward the permanent gallery opening in 2029, the museum remains focused on the evolving bond between people and the planet. The goal is to provide a foundation of knowledge and appreciation that will help future generations understand and navigate the complexities of the natural world.