Nature and Us Gallery at London Museum Reopens After 80 Years

The Natural History Museum in London is set to reopen its Nature and Us gallery on September 16, 2026, after being closed for more than 80 years due to the impacts of World War II. This long-awaited reopening will allow visitors to explore a collection of 50 eclectic objects, ranging from ancient Neolithic tools to modern pop culture memorabilia. The exhibition aims to illustrate the various ways in which humans have interacted with the natural world and how these relationships have shaped cultural values and ideas. Doug Gurr, the museum's director, expressed excitement about this reopening, emphasizing the opportunity for visitors to engage with the historical space and its significance in understanding our evolving relationship with nature.

The Nature and Us gallery has a rich history, originally serving as an osteology gallery for skeletons and other specimens. After the museum was damaged during World War II, the gallery was repurposed to house botanical specimens, displacing its original collections. The reopening will restore the gallery's original intent, presenting a diverse array of objects that tell stories about both the history of science and human culture. Notable items include the skeleton of Jenny, a Victorian monk seal, and a replica of a 14,300-year-old dog's jaw, showcasing the deep-rooted connections between humans and the natural world.

The exhibition not only highlights significant artifacts but also brings to life stories that reflect the evolution of scientific understanding. Among the pieces on display is a 400,000-year-old ax, which played a crucial role in establishing humanity's ancient history. This ax, dubbed “the stone that shattered the time barrier,” was presented at the Royal Society shortly before Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species. Visitors will also encounter a miniature model of one of the Crystal Palace dinosaurs, illustrating how early interpretations of prehistoric life were influenced by the scientific knowledge of the time.

The reopening of the Nature and Us gallery is part of the museum's NHM150 project, a fundraising campaign aimed at renovating and opening new galleries leading up to its 150th anniversary in 2031. The gallery will be open for 18 months, with plans for a permanent exhibition on similar themes set to launch in 2029. Claire Andrews, head of community engagement at the Natural Environment Research Council, stated that this exhibition will inspire visitors to reflect on their own connections to nature and the role of science in promoting meaningful action for the planet.

The significance of the Nature and Us gallery extends beyond its historical artifacts; it serves as a platform for educating the public about environmental advocacy and stewardship. As the museum continues its transformation through the NHM150 project, the reopening of this gallery marks a crucial step in engaging visitors in a dialogue about their relationship with the natural world. The exhibition is expected to captivate audiences and encourage them to consider the impact of human actions on the environment.