Exciting changes to the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum has always been one of our favourite dry hire venues to work in. Dramatic changes are taking place at this inspirational venue so we have put together this special newsletter to keep you up to date on the fantastic new venue opportunities now available at the Natural History Museum.

We have hosted some memorable events at the museum over the years and the much loved Diplodocus cast has been a highlight of Hintze Hall for 35 years. With Dippy soon embarking on a new adventure, December 2016 offers the last chance to dine at the feet of this iconic exhibit in this space, as the museum prepares to make way for a new star in 2017.

The Museum is planning for the Diplodocus cast to travel the UK while another of the Museum’s spectacular specimens takes centre stage.

Hintze Hall will close from 2nd January 2017 until the summer for the installation of a dramatic diving Blue Whale skeleton.

The calendar is now open, book with us and be one of the first to host an event around the awe-inspiring new whale exhibit from the 25th August 2017!

Introducing a new guest

In the summer of 2017 a new exhibit will take centre stage in Hintze Hall. One of the largest of its kind, the blue whale skeleton will suspend from the ceiling and play host to an array of events throughout the year.

The blue whale was chosen to give an immediate, impactful introduction to the museum for visitors. It has been on display since 1938 in Mammal Hall since it was bought by the museum, and currently hangs above a life-size model of a blue whale. The whale was found beached and injured by whalers in Wexford Harbour, Ireland, in 1891.

'This is an important and necessary change,' said Sir Dixon. 'As guardians of one of the world’s greatest scientific resources, our purpose is to challenge the way people think about the natural world, and that goal has never been more urgent. The blue whale serves as a poignant reminder that while abundance is no guarantee of survival, through our choices, we can make a real difference.'

Hidden gems available for a night at the museum

New quirky intimate spaces opening up, hold your event in a space unlike any other.

Natural History Museum is adding six new spaces for hire to extend opportunities for smaller events to experience a night at the museum:

North Hall and Waterhouse way (Available between January and August 2017)

The spaces in the Waterhouse building feature high rising archways and the beautiful terracotta characteristics associated with this Grade I listed building, as well as some of the most complete fossils of prehistoric sea animals. Start your event in Earth Hall for a drinks reception around Sophie the Stegosaurus or in the Birds gallery, before dining with a view of the giant sloth in Waterhouse Way. Available from January to August 2017, this space is ideal space for dinners, drinks receptions and networking events, accommodating up to 250 guests for dinner and 400 guests for standing reception.

Volcanoes and Earthquake Gallery and Earth’s Treasury

Guests can explore the Earth’s molten lava core and arrive in their very own private dining setting. The spaces in the Earth galleries are ideal for unusual dining experiences, quirky drink receptions, exhibitions and product launches.

Images of Nature and Whale hall

On the Darwin Centre side of the Museum, the Images of Nature gallery is perfect for intimate dining experiences from 10 to 80 or standing receptions for up to 200 guests. Ideal for smaller capacities, it can be brought to life for any brand with projection and gobo techniques across the arching ceilings.

For an experience where the exhibits around you form a central part of the entertainment, Whale hall is ideal, hosting dinners for 40 and receptions for up to 150.

All the spaces are available now with the exception of North Hall and Waterhouse way, which are opening their doors from 1st January 2017.

Private Viewings and Behind the Scenes Tours

We are proud to have a great relationship with the museum which we have nurtured over time. We are lucky enough to be able to provide behind the scenes tours and private viewings, such as Wildlife Photographer ofthe Year. David Attenborough’s Great Barrier Reef Guide and Other Worlds are also now available for standalone private viewing experiences, allowing VIP groups to browse the collections at their leisure, accompanied with cocktails and canapés. Also, a small number of exclusive experiences are available each year which give lucky guests the chance to see priceless specimens and treasures otherwise not available to the public or other event hires.

Get in touch with our team to ensure you don't miss out.