The natural history museum offers several times a year an unusual activity named Dino Snores for Grown-ups. During this unique experience, the museum opens its doors for a night when the public discovers the rich collections and sleeps in the splendid Victorian hall.
Presentation of the natural history museum
Located in the district of Kensington, the natural history museum, nicknamed "cathedral of nature" houses the world's largest collection of life and earth sciences with more than 70 million specimens.
The first collection dedicated to the world of life and the earth was once an integral part of the British Museum. It was established in 1753 when the government acquired the collections from the English physician naturalist Sir Hans Sloane.
Under the supervision of Richard Owen, the natural history collections were subsequently transferred to the current premises located in the Kensington district and opened to the public in 1881.
The building is an exceptional example of Victorian Romanesque architecture with towers, spiers, arches and columns reminiscent of Rhine churches. With its terracotta facade, the Natural History Museum has become one of London's most iconic landmarks.
The collections from all over the world are organized into departments of botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology.
In 2017, the entrance hall was redesigned. The famous 26m Diplodocus carnegii dinosaur skeleton is replaced by a 25,2m blue whale skeleton. It is intended to remind visitors that humanity has a responsibility to protect the biodiversity of our planet.
Finally, the natural history museum has served as a setting for many film shoots such as Paddington, Loch Ness, The Mummy or even Jupiter: The Destiny of the universe.
What is the program for the night at the Natural History Museum?
- Meal
- Free visit of the museums
- Harp concert
- Conference
- Gin tasting
-Tasting of edible insects - Videos
- Stand-up comedy
Course of the night at the Natural History Museum
Public reception
The museum doors open at 18 p.m. After a bag check, you will need to introduce yourself to the members to collect your badge. You will be given a foam sleeping mat and you are free to make yourself comfortable in the lobby. If there is still room, choose an alcove on the sides, more pleasant than being in the center of the hall.
After your installation, you can head to the bar at the back of the museum to enjoy your welcome drink. Then the time will come to read the museum regulations. The watchword is above all "have fun" but no drugs and sex during your night at the museum 😉
Meal
The meal is served in a large room where you share your table with other visitors from all over England and even from France. A quiz on the table allows you to chat with the other guests and to sympathize.
The meal consists of 3 courses (starter, main course, dessert). This time, on the menu, tuna tartare, duck confit, and meringue with fresh raspberries. The dressing is neat and the dishes are of quality.
Vegetarians, vegans or people with allergies can specify this when booking in order to have a suitable menu.
We regret the absence of wine. However, you can buy them at the bar at a reasonable price before going to the table.
Night activities
- After lunch, free visit of the museum ! The unique opportunity to discover the museum's collections at your own pace and often on your own, with the feeling that the museum is ours!
- Insect tastings such as caterpillars, buffalo worms or crickets! It may impress, but nothing fancy. It's crispy without much taste!
- Gin tasting from the Sipsmith Distillery
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Film screening all night long
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Stand-up comedy
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Quiz
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Magnificent harp concert in the great hall with cover of current titles like the soundtrack of Games of Thrones or songs by Ed Sheran. What a pleasure to let yourself be lulled to the sound of these melodious notes, lying down while contemplating the museum and the skeleton of the whale illuminated in blue!
Breakfast
Before enjoying the English breakfast at 7:30 am, you can enjoy a yoga session from 6:30 am
Tips and practical information for a good night's sleep at the Natural History Museum
- The museum opens its doors from 18 p.m. Arrive at least 30 minutes before, to be able to choose your location to install your sleeping bag.
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Bring a sleeping bag (inflatable mattresses are not allowed), a pillow, earplugs (for the snoring of some !!), a mask if you are sensitive to light (some stay on all night)
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Bring warm clothes
- Provide a portable charger, no outlet in the museum
- It is not allowed to bring alcohol back on pain of expulsion
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Bar (paying) open all night
Can children participate?
This activity is reserved for adults (over 18 years old).
Families with children ages 7 to 11 can participate in Dino Snores for Kids which offers activities specially designed for children.
Where to book a night at the Natural History Museum?
To book your next night at the museum and know the next ones, visit the museum site.
How much does a night at the Natural History Museum cost?
The price of one night at the museum is £ 180
Where is the Natural History Museum located?
Address : Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD
Metro
bus
