A long-sealed gallery reopens to reveal how humanity perceives the natural world
In short: For the first time in over eight decades, the Natural History Museum has unlocked a previously restricted gallery. The new exhibition, Nature and Us, features 50 diverse specimens—from ancient handaxes to modern toys—designed to challenge our assumptions and explore the evolving, complex relationship between human society and the environment.
The gallery space itself holds a rich history, having served as a working herbarium for decades before being sealed off from public view. Now reimagined as an exhibition hall, it functions as a testing ground for the museum. By presenting an eclectic mix of natural and human-made objects, the curators aim to refine the narratives that will eventually define the museum's permanent galleries. This initiative is a key component of the NHM150 project, a long-term transformation strategy leading up to the institution's 150th anniversary in 2031.
Inside the exhibition, visitors encounter a curated selection of 50 specimens that trace the history of human interaction with nature. Highlights include a miniature model of a Crystal Palace dinosaur, a bryozoan-encrusted Star Wars toy, and the skeleton of a monk seal known as 'the talking fish.' Perhaps most significant is a handaxe that fundamentally shifted scientific understanding regarding the timeline of human existence on Earth. These items are not merely displays; they are prompts designed to make visitors reflect on how our values, assumptions, and conceptual frameworks have shaped our understanding of the natural world over time.
The exhibition is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council and Bjorn Saven CBE, whose funding enables this period of experimentation. Beyond the immediate display, the museum encourages visitors to consider the broader implications of their relationship with nature. Whether through interactive experiences like 'Visions of Nature' or exhibitions focused on sustainability, the museum seeks to bridge the gap between historical scientific collection and the urgent need to address the future of our planet. By flipping the lens to consider how nature has impacted us, the exhibition invites a deeper introspection into our identity as a species.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A sneak peek at our new temporary exhibition, Nature and Us
- Also: Nature and Us Gallery | Natural History Museum
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