A local’s London memories to visiting the National History Museum, South Kensington – jump on the train of my thoughts and feelings about London life!
I remember visiting the National History Museum, in the posh area of South Kensington, for the first time: I actually got lost while going to the V&A Museum and ended up there.
I remember thinking that, truly, this part of South Kensington was not that well-indicated, and I guess that my visiting during the pandemic for the first time meant there were maybe less signs to reach said museum.
The museum was originally part of the British Museum, one of my favorite museums in London, which is still standing proudly in the midst of Bloomsbury and is filled with Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek and Roman sculptures.
(If you’ve never been to the Bloomsbury area, you’ll find anything there from secret shops to small courtyards, and lots of cafes and restaurants that feel and look upscale).
The National History Museum became an independent museum in 1963, and this particular one is famous for its vast range of paleontology, mineralogy, botany and entomology specimens.
London Memories #5: National History Museum, South Kensington
What may very well be the most famous piece of the National History Museum is the blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling of the Hintze Hall, an iconic whale named Hope, and a magnificent masterpiece 25 meters long.
I would say, though, that beyond the Dinosaur Gallery and the Fossil Mammal Gallery, what I mostly love about the National History Museum is its Mineral Gallery.
I have been fond of gemstones and other precious stones ever since I was a kid.
My father gave me my first ones, and I kept on collecting gemstones for years until I moved to London, then to Rome, and had to get rid of my heavy weights.
(By the way, let’s talk about the Victoria & Albert Museum a bit more since we’re here: the collection of period jewelry and gemstones in this museum located two steps away from the National History Museum is absolutely incredible.
Like, a must-visit.
Like, don’t miss it if you’re into jewelry and gemstones).
The building itself is a masterpiece too; a Victorian building with Romanesque touches, intricate carvings of animals and plants, and overall a building that screams grandeur and marvel.
Walking around the museum teaches you lots about aesthetics; we’re not only in a historical building, but also in one of London’s most important landmarks in terms of architecture.
That being said, I still prefer the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum to the National History Museum.
All three are great whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or just looking for inspiring places to visit in London with kids.
Where the National History Museum revolves around history, human and animal evolution, and details how the world came to be the way it is, the V&A Museum offers a broader scope on the arts.
That’s a place I’ve included in my Fashion in London itinerary because of its amazing period clothing and accessories from brands like Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and Christian Dior.
It’s also great whether you’re into Asian or medieval European arts, and perfect to see gorgeous sculptures.
When it comes to the Science Museum, it just feels more hands-on, more of an immersive experience on all levels, from astronomy to anatomy and a really great part dedicated to toys, psychology and pedagogy.
All in all, the National History Museum is that place you can visit if you’re visiting or living in London on a budget.
It’s one of many free activities you can do whether it’s raining or sunny out.
Plus, near the Tube station, you’ll find many of my favorite bakeries and cafes of South Kensington.
Ben’s Cookies is great for fresh, warm cookies in all sorts of decadent flavors.
The Hummingbird Bakery is amazing for something even more indulgent; this American-style bakery is filled with Red Velvet cakes, cupcakes, rainbow cakes, and even carrot cake-flavored goods (my favorite!)!