Museum of Zoology

What's in the collection

The museum has been on this site since 1865 and grew from two older collections, the Museum of Comparative Anatomy and the Cambridge Philosophical Society's natural history holdings. Highlights include Darwin's fish from the Beagle voyage, early kangaroo and emu specimens that reached Britain from Australia in 1814, and shells, insects and birds gathered on expeditions worldwide. The collections hold national Designated Status.

Visiting with children

Family days and themed trails run through the year, and the galleries are compact enough for younger children without being rushed. Children under 11 must be with an adult. The shop and café sit in the Whale Hall, below the fin whale, so there is an easy break point mid-visit.

Practical details

Entry is step-free via the Whale Hall, with a lift between the upper and lower galleries and folding stools to borrow. There is no visitor parking: use the Grand Arcade multi-storey or the Park and Ride. The station is about a 20-minute walk and Drummer Street bus station about five minutes. Photos for personal use are welcome, but no flash, tripods or selfie sticks. Groups of ten or more should book.

Highlights

• Free admission
• Fin whale skeleton in the glass Whale Hall
• Specimens from Darwin's Beagle voyage
• Step-free access with a lift between galleries
• Shop and café on site

Good to know

• Closed on Mondays except bank holidays.
• No visitor parking; nearest is Grand Arcade car park.
• Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Groups of 10 or more need to book.

Frequently asked questions