London
Grant Museum of Zoology
University College London's natural history collection houses 68,000 specimens including extinct species like dodo bones and Tasmanian tiger skeletons. The compact museum packs rare specimens into Victorian-style display cases with minimal interpretation, letting the specimens speak for themselves. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to London, especially paired with nearby British Museum. Entry is free and 45 minutes-1 hour gives you a thorough visit.
Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 45 minutes-1 hour Best for: see extinct species specimens you won't find Skip if: You're squeamish about preserved animal specimens or prefer interactive museums Cost: Free
What It Is
You walk through compact rooms lined floor-to-ceiling with glass cases containing skeletons, preserved specimens, and rare extinct animal remains. The old-fashioned displays create a Victorian-era museum atmosphere where you study specimens up close without multimedia distractions.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ground floor only, upper galleries require stairs
Why Visit
See extinct species specimens you won't find elsewhere, including the only remaining quagga head. It is not the first thing you should see in London, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with British Museum and Westminster Abbey And Big Ben - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here. Free entry makes the decision easy - walk in, see if it holds your attention, and leave when you have had enough.
Skip if: You're squeamish about preserved animal specimens or prefer interactive museums
Practical Info
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Monday-Saturday 13:00-17:00, closed Sundays and university holidays |
| Price | Free |
| Time Needed | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekday afternoons when university students are in classes |
| Address | 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE |
Tips
- Check UCL calendar for closure dates during university holidays.
- Small space fills quickly with school groups.
- Bring reading glasses for small specimen labels.
Insider tip: The micrarium contains 20,000 microscopic specimens in slides - ask staff to point out the most unusual ones
Photography
Photography allowed but challenging due to reflective glass cases and dim lighting
Our tips
What we'd tell a friend visiting
- Check UCL calendar for closure dates during university holidays
- Small space fills quickly with school groups
- Bring reading glasses for small specimen labels
Nearby attractions
More places to visit in London
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Grant Museum of Zoology
The Grant Museum is a university-run zoology collection with 67,000 specimens including skeletons, taxidermy, and preserved animals. Entry is free. Located in University College London (Bloomsbury). Hours are 1pm-5pm Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm Saturday. Displays span evolution, extinction, and biodiversity across compact galleries spanning one floor. The dodo skeleton is a key exhibit. Most visitors spend 45-90 minutes; it's less crowded than major museums.
The Grant Museum offers free entry, exceptional specimens (dodo skeleton, moles, sea creatures), and minimal crowds compared to British Museum. The university setting creates academic atmosphere. However, it's small (one floor) and specialized toward natural history enthusiasts. Budget 60-75 minutes; combine with nearby Bloomsbury museums (British Museum, Petrie Museum) for efficient day planning. Not ideal for families with young children seeking interactive exhibits.
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