Natural History Museum

I decided to visit the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photography Exhibition. I was planning to go last year, before lockdown scuppered it. And to enjoy it I booked tickets for 10am, when it opened.

Now this is the problem with the NHM. Essentially it is used as a creche by the middle classes, especially with nannies. Half the visitors would prefer to climb the exhibits than look at them. The desire to send a message about climate change on virtually everything written at the place is a little wasted when most attendees are too young to read.

And of course should you happen to be an adult who isn't tending a toddler, the babble of babies really isn't conducive to your enjoyment. At least getting there early limits the issue.

South Kensington tube is closed at the moment so I came in from the other side at Gloucester Road. Passing this rather nice mews.

Statue of Baden Powell opposite the NHM

And the Natural History Museum itself - Alfred Waterhouse's masterpiece in a Victorian Romanesque style. 

Inside, here was the photographic exhibition. Yes if you are first in you get it to yourself....

But after the exhibition, which is as always a delight, I explored most of the rest of the museum, ignoring the dinosaurs which of course is tiny tot central. 

I like the mineral and gems section....

I then ventured outside into the NHM garden, which also offers the opportunity to look at the modern extension in glass office style.