[Closed] Natural History Museum entry question

those would be special exhibitions otherwise entry is free

Plenty to see if you've never been before so unless one of the special exhibitions is of particular interest then it's going to be free 🙂

Book if you want to see the dinosaurs. It's free and faster.

Expect to queue.

It's the dino's that my daughter wants to see but i can't see where you can book tickets for that.

Its free but last time we went we were chugged for a "donation" of £10 ea 🙄

Hmmm yes, sorry it seems to have changed. It was a few years ago that I took my eldest.

Don't use the main entrance - use the side entrance on Exhibition Road.

And go there [b]first thing[/b] for the dinos - it was pleasantly quiet when we did as such. By lunchtime the queues were beyond silly and I can't imagine how claustrophobic it would be in there shuffling around in such a crowd.

If I'm asked for money at the 'free' museums/galleries we benefit form in this country I always ask if my tax contribution went astray.

And perhaps to ask one of the non tax paying tourist for their contribution.

I cant recall going to another country and not having to pay for such a service.....................

"I cant recall going to another country and not having to pay for such a service."

I've been to countless attractions abroad, where I haven't had to pay to enter. So I don't begrudge tourists enjoying our ones for 'free'.

"If I'm asked for money at the 'free' museums/galleries we benefit form in this country I always ask if my tax contribution went astray."

Government arts funding has been slashed year after year. Galleries etc increasingly rely on private sponsorship, and public donations. Many places are staffed by volunteers who don't get paid at all, yet have to try to ensure everyone's safety and well being, as well as generally look after stuff.

I'm always happy to pay a donation whenever I go to galleries etc. And often go to exhibitions with an entry fee. The value of enjoying what's within, is priceless in comparison to paying a few quid.

You are of course free not to visit attractions. And sit on the internet moaning about how unfair life is.

eckinspain - Member

Don't use the main entrance - use the side entrance on Exhibition Road.

Yup. I've seen it with a mile long queue round the front and about 10 people at the side door. Made me feel like a VIP.

Thirded, side entrance at Exhibition Road is much quicker although no where near as grand as the main hall. As an aside I find it's almost worth going there for the architecture alone. When you're in the main hall have a look at all the carving in the stone with the vines and the animals on it. Gorgeous.

Government arts funding has been slashed year after year. Galleries etc increasingly rely on private sponsorship, and public donations. Many places are staffed by volunteers who don't get paid at all, yet have to try to ensure everyone's safety and well being, as well as generally look after stuff.

I'm always happy to pay a donation whenever I go to galleries etc. And often go to exhibitions with an entry fee. The value of enjoying what's within, is priceless in comparison to paying a few quid.

You are of course free not to visit attractions. And sit on the internet moaning about how unfair life is.

+1

I always pay the voluntary bit.

If you can afford to then I think people should pay the voluntary fee. In the case of people genuinely can't then they're free.

It's London, you can't buy a round of drinks for £40! £10/ea for a day in a museum is a bargain!

And if it wasn't voluntary then they couldn't claim gift aid on it.

Don't forgat to watch Paddington before/after you go... 😀

Sadly, in real life, you don't get to see Nicole Kidman swan about in a lab coat and heels.