What You Get for Free
The Natural History Museum is one of Britain's national museums, and by government policy, general admission is free of charge. That covers the vast majority of what the museum has to offer. You can walk into Hintze Hall and see Hope the blue whale, explore the Dinosaur Gallery, wander through the minerals collection in the Vault, visit the Wildlife Garden and spend time in the Earth Hall without paying anything.
There is no suggested donation box that you have to pass through, though the museum does accept voluntary contributions. The free access policy applies seven days a week, all year round, including bank holidays and school holidays.
What Costs Extra
The museum runs a programme of temporary exhibitions that typically charge for entry. These are usually housed in dedicated gallery spaces and cover focused topics. Past paid exhibitions have explored subjects ranging from wildlife photography to specific animal groups. The prices and schedules change throughout the year.
Some special events, late-night openings and behind-the-scenes experiences also carry a charge. These are optional extras and clearly marked as paid events on the museum's website.
Why Is It Free?
The Natural History Museum has been free to enter since 2001, when the UK government abolished admission charges at national museums across England. The policy was introduced to remove financial barriers and encourage wider public access to cultural and scientific collections. The museum is funded through a combination of government grant-in-aid, commercial revenue, donations and sponsorship.
Before 2001, the museum charged for entry, and visitor numbers were significantly lower. Free admission led to a substantial and sustained increase in footfall, cementing the museum as one of the most visited attractions in the country.
Do You Need to Book?
For a standard visit to the permanent galleries, you do not need to book in advance. You can simply turn up during opening hours and walk in. During peak periods like school holidays and weekends, queues can form at the entrance, but they tend to move quickly.
Paid temporary exhibitions usually benefit from advance booking, and some timed-entry events require a reservation. The museum's website has up-to-date information on what needs booking.
Tips for Visiting on a Budget
Since the permanent collection is free, you can visit as many times as you like without spending anything. Many regular visitors drop in for an hour to see a single gallery rather than trying to cover everything at once. If you are planning your first trip, our guide to how long you need at the Natural History Museum will help you decide how much to fit in. The museum is large enough that repeat visits make sense, and there is no financial penalty for coming back.
If you want to eat affordably, the museum has a cafe but you are also welcome to bring your own food. There are benches in the Wildlife Garden and outdoor spaces nearby in South Kensington where you can sit and eat.
