How the Natural History Museum suspended a 4,500-kilogramme blue whale in mid-air
In short: In 2017, the Natural History Museum transformed its central Hintze Hall by suspending a massive blue whale skeleton from the ceiling. Known as Hope, this 25.2-metre specimen serves as both a breathtaking centrepiece and a powerful symbol of environmental recovery, following a complex three-year conservation and engineering project.
The journey of Hope began long before her current residency. Found beached in Wexford, Ireland, in 1891, the skeleton was purchased by the Natural History Museum that same year. While the museum’s founder, Sir Richard Owen, had long envisioned displaying a blue whale to satisfy public interest in the world's largest animals, it was his successor, Sir William Henry Flower, who eventually brought the dream to fruition. After decades of delays caused by funding issues and the First World War, Hope was finally mounted in a dedicated Mammals Hall in 1934.
The 1934 installation was limited by the scientific understanding of the era, resulting in a flat, static pose. Furthermore, the original preparation had removed the cartilage discs between the vertebrae. To ensure proper spacing, technicians improvised with whatever materials were available, including wooden blocks, plaster of Paris, and newspapers. Hope remained in this position for 81 years, gathering a thick layer of dust that, when later analyzed, revealed a surprising community of yeasts and fungi.
Relocating the skeleton to Hintze Hall required an unprecedented conservation effort beginning in October 2015. Principal Curator of Mammals Richard Sabin and Head of Conservation Lorraine Cornish oversaw the inspection of 221 individual bones. The team faced significant challenges, including cracks in the skull caused by decades of suspension. After careful cleaning and structural assessment, the team successfully reconfigured the skeleton into a more dynamic, active pose. Today, Hope hangs with her jaw 4.2 metres above the floor, serving as a vital reminder of the potential for ecological restoration when conservation efforts are prioritized.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hope, the blue whale | A three-year labour of love
- Also: Hope the whale at the Natural History Museum | Natural History Museum
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