Accessing the collections

A researcher stands at a trolley looking at specimens with cabinets behind

The Natural History Museum collections are open

Our curators are currently clearing backlogs of acquisitions, loans and enquiries and preparing for a major collections move to a new science centre.

Please contact the relevant curator, Curator in Charge or Head of Collections with enquiries about whether research visits or research loans are possible.

Due to many major projects in the Museum, loans will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This also means that we will require 12 months minimum notice period between the official loan request rather than nine months.

We regret we cannot accommodate loan requests made with less than 12 months' notice.  All our other exhibition loans information remains the same please see Loans.

Restricted access to collections

We are preparing to relocate 28 million specimens to our new science facility at Thames Valley Science Park, as well as many millions more to newly refurbished collection stores in South Kensington. Construction of our new facility is due to be completed in late 2027 and designs of the new centre are available to view.

To prepare for the move, collections are currently being stabilised, conserved and documented. While this ambitious programme of work is underway, we must stop some of our usual activity until further notice. We will no longer be able to approve loans, receive visitors or fulfil collection-based enquiries in the following collections:

Fossil mammals from 1 August 2025

Anthropology from 1 September 2025

Mammals from 19 September 2025

This does not affect any existing commitments, bookings or visits and enquiries from descendant communities or relating to requests for the return of human remains. These restrictions are temporary, and dates for when access to collections we recommence will be shared as soon as they are available. Access to other collections may also be impacted by the move programme at later dates.

To stay up to date, please check our website page, which will be updated with the latest project progress.

Our Digital Collections are openly accessible as always via our Data Portal where over six million of our specimens have been digitised and released online, with more data being added every week.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about accessing the collections for research purposes please contact the appropriate collections manager or curator.

Visitor information

How do researchers book a visit?

Visitors are only admitted by prior appointment.

Documents required

You will be required to provide personal identification to access certain collections.

What can researchers bring?

Find out what you can take into the collections.

How we support your visit

Find out about how we support you during your visit to the Museum's collections.

Visitor responsibilities

Our visitors contribute to the collections, both scientifically and educationally.

Access for non-scientists

For most enquiries, the first point of contact should be the Registrar.

How to find us

Museum's collections are spread across three sites.

Loans

Collections material may be borrowed for display, scientific research purposes or as part of a touring exhibition, subject to certain conditions.

Collections online

Take a look at our online collections to see if we have the specimens you need.

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