Guided tour highlights the careers and contributions of female researchers in various fields of knowledge.

Launched in 2024, the “Women in Science” program at the Natural History Museum in London offers thematic itineraries that showcase the work and careers of female scientists. The guided tours are free and take place once or twice a week, starting in the Hintze Hall.

With free admission, the Natural History Museum is an accessible attraction in the British capital. In addition to providing context for the museum’s iconic pieces, the tours introduce often-overlooked figures who were essential to the development of various fields of knowledge, some of whom even worked at the Natural History Museum itself.

During the guided tour, you will meet the team of scientists responsible for bringing Hope, the iconic suspended blue whale that welcomes visitors, to the museum. The fossil of the world’s largest animal, measuring 25 meters in length, required a complex engineering operation for transportation.

Bridging past and present, the stories highlight names ranging from Dorothea Bate, one of the first women to work at the museum as a paleontologist, to Miranda Lowe, a crustacean researcher and current curator of the institution.

In addition to the tour exploring the major contributions of female scientists to the collection and study of artifacts and animals, the Natural History Museum offers a variety of themed visits celebrating women’s achievements in different fields, based on visitors’ interests.

The “Women in Space” tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the contributions of scientists who played crucial roles in advancing the study of the universe. During the visit, you will deepen your knowledge of pioneering figures who helped expand our understanding of the cosmos.

Another guided tour focuses on Paleontology, highlighting great fossil specialists such as Mary Anning, who made significant discoveries along England’s southern coast in the 19th century, revolutionizing the field with her contributions.

Additionally, the Natural History Museum offers a tour dedicated to Black women in science. While you may already be familiar with Katherine Johnson, portrayed in the film “Hidden Figures” (2016), this guided visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about her true story and her contributions as one of the first African American mathematicians at NASA.

During the tour, you will also discover the journeys of other remarkable women, such as Bianca Huertas, a butterfly specialist, and Margaret Collins, the first African American entomologist. These tours provide a comprehensive view of the achievements and challenges faced by women of diverse backgrounds and specializations in science.

The Natural History Museum also offers a tour dedicated to female research on birds and dinosaurs, exploring the evolution of these animals. Additionally, there is a special tour investigating the intersections between fashion and nature, highlighting how scientists analyze these connections.

For those who cannot decide which tour to choose, the museum offers a surprise option: at the beginning of the tour, one participant draws one of the available itineraries, allowing the group to follow the randomly selected path.

The “Women in Science” tour is free, but each session is limited to 12 visitors. Therefore, planning ahead and arriving early is recommended to secure your spot.

The tours take place from 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM. Dates are updated on the official website on the dedicated page for these visits. Currently, availability extends until October 29, with tours held once or twice a week, depending on the season.

Admission to the Natural History Museum is free for all visitors. Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 PM. To guarantee entry, you can reserve free tickets in advance through the museum’s website.

The museum is located in the South Kensington district on Cromwell Road. It is near the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park, and the Royal Albert Hall. The nearest Underground station is South Kensington, providing easy access to the location.

The Natural History Museum in London is one of the world’s most renowned and visited museums. Opened in 1881, the museum is known for its vast collection of specimens related to natural history, covering areas such as paleontology, zoology, mineralogy, and botany. Its neo-Gothic building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, is an attraction in itself, featuring an impressive facade and a grand interior.

The iconic suspended blue whale in the main hall is one of the museum’s top attractions. Measuring 25 meters in length, Hope is one of the largest blue whale skeletons on display in the world and offers a fascinating insight into marine life.

The museum’s dinosaur fossil collection is one of the most extensive in the world, including the famous Diplodocus skeleton, which was the centerpiece of the museum’s entrance until 2017.

The museum houses a remarkable collection of jewels and minerals, including the famous Hope Diamond. Additionally, with one of the largest insect collections in the world, the museum provides a detailed view of the diversity and biology of these animals.

The exhibitions highlight the history of life on Earth, from the earliest organisms to the most complex life forms, including interactive displays and detailed models.

The museum hosts temporary exhibitions on various current topics, offering new perspectives on different aspects of science. It also provides a variety of workshops and educational activities for children and adults, covering a broad range of topics related to natural history.

Location and Access:

• Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:50 PM, with the last entry at 5:30 PM.
• Admission: Free, with the option to reserve tickets online for some attractions and events.

The museum is well-located, close to other major attractions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park, and the Royal Albert Hall. The nearest Underground station is South Kensington, making access to the museum convenient.

With its impressive architecture and vast collections, the Natural History Museum in London offers an educational and visually stunning experience, attracting visitors of all ages and interests.