Founded in 1881 by Richard Owen, London’s Natural History Museum has been dubbed the ‘Cathedral to Nature’, architect Alfred Waterhouse designed what would be not only the home of one of the world’s largest collection of natural history specimens, but also one of London’s most prolific landmarks. However, inside the Museum’s grandiose walls lies an abundance of unique spaces, each completely distinct from each other.

Its main atrium, Hintze Hall, is known for its towering pillars and staircases. 162 hand-painted illustrations of flora adorned with gold leaf line the main atrium ceilings. Most notably, a 25-metre skeleton of Hope the Blue Whale watches over the hall, welcoming over six-million visitors every year.

On the east, a giant metallic globe presides over the more contemporary Earth Hall, complete with remarkable specimens along the walls telling the story of our planet and solar system. At the front of the hall is Sophie, one of the world’s largest and most complete stegosaurus fossils.

Upstairs, gemstones line the Museum’s Earth’s Treasury Gallery, complete with glittering displays of unique specimens, including gold nuggets and the Museum’s own ‘kryptonite’. All of these spaces are surrounded by five acres of incredible greenery in the Museum’s gardens; a green oasis nestled in one of London’s busiest urban districts. Complete with a Garden Kitchen events space, the gardens are home to Fern, one of the Museum’s latest prehistoric residents – a golden cast of Dippy the diplodocus.

All of these spaces are available for hire, including full-day exclusive hire. For more information, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/business-services/venue-hire.