The Natural History Museumis one of the most visited museums in the country. There can be few of us who were not taken there on a school trip and for many it remains a firm favourite. But take a moment to look beyond the dinosaurs with names only children can pronounce, at the building itself which is a celebration of the Natural World to which the museum is devoted.
Columns inspired by the volcanic basalts of Fingal's Caves embrace the main entrance. From there you pass into the busy Central Hall – usually full of excited children. Above your head, un-noticed by crowds below, is a work of art: ceiling panels, decorated with motifs of plants and foliage from around the globe. There are pictures of coffee, tobacco – the plants of Empire of which the Victorians were so proud – as well as British flora. The side rooms are equally decorated; fossils are in the display cabinets but they are also carved into the supporting pillars.
Nowhere is undercorated. Stone pillars are carved to represent the bark of different tree species and from behind them cheeky monkeys peer down at the visitors.
The entire building, both inside and out, is decorated with terracotta animals and plants. Extinct species decorate the East wing; living species the West. At a time when Darwin’s theory of evolution was overturning established thought, this revolutionary building celebrated the new ideas. Today visitors can sit under the watchful gaze of the great man and contemplate.
Must See Buildings of Britain is an occasional series on Britain’s most remarkable buildings. Not only the stately homes, palaces and monuments that are part of every tourist itinerary but buildings that are simply worth seeing. Some are well known – although not necessarily for their architecture. Some are less well known – undiscovered gems that are worth a look. Some will take several hours to visit properly; others are not open to the public but merit a few minutes to look at the from the outside.
Must See Buildings has a sister column, Beastly Buildings, which looks at those buildings we all love to hate
If you know a building you think we should cover, email the editor, charlotte@donowdo.com