UCL Grant Museum of Zoology

Overview

Part of University College London, the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy is a natural history museum which is home to over 100,000 specimens from all over the world. With artifacts from each continent, ocean, and animal group, it’s a comprehensive collection that can help visitors to understand more about the natural world.

There’s so much to see here, and it’s a fantastic day out for kids, especially those who are interested in science or animals. Adults will also find the many exhibits fascinating. Discover more about extinct species such as the Tasmanian tiger and keep an eye out for the anaconda skeleton!

The museum was founded by Robert Edmond Grant in 1827 for teaching at the University College London before opening to the public in 1996. The museum has a permanent collection, as well as various events and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Grant Museum of Zoology is one to put on your list for a rainy day in London. What’s more, it’s all inside, so you can stay dry should the typical British weather prove unfavourable.

Jar of moles

One of the museum’s most famous – and quirkiest – exhibits is a jar of moles. It is pretty much exactly what its name suggests – a large jar full of preserved moles. It is thought that the moles were once going to be used for dissection by students or belonged to a researcher studying the anatomy of a mole.

The jar is an efficient way of storing multiple specimens. Storing them together reduces the cost of glass jars and preservation fluid and makes them easier to transport.

How much does it cost to go to the Grant Museum of Zoology?

Admission to the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology is completely free for both adults and children.

How long does the Grant Museum of Zoology take?

The museum is smaller than some of the other museums in London, so you can see most of the exhibits within a couple of hours, although you are free to stay as long as you like. It’s a good morning or afternoon activity.

During busy times, such as school holidays, you may need to queue to enter the museum, but the wait is usually no longer than ten minutes.

What’s in the museum?

Inside the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, you’ll find a whole host of different specimens, including some that are rare or even extinct.

Highlights include:

Jar of moles
Quagga skeleton (extinct South African zebra)
Thylacine skeletons (extinct carnivorous marsupials)
The Micrarium (microscope slides with tiny specimens)
Central African Rock Rython skeleton
Dodo bones
Giant deer antlers
Glass models of invertebrates
Seychelles frogs
Sawfish rostra

You can take an audio tour of the museum, which features ten stops and lasts approximately half an hour. There is also an on-site gift shop selling souvenirs.

Do you need to book for the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology?

You don’t need to book to visit the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, unless you are in a group larger than ten people or if you’re attending for research purposes.

Is the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology accessible?

The UCL Grant Museum of Zoology aims to be an accessible and inclusive space for all. It has several accessibility features, including:

Level access from the main entrance, suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility
Gender-neutral accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Portable seating available to borrow
Assistance dogs welcome
On-site accessible parking

UCL Grant Museum of Zoology opening hours

The UCL Grant Museum of Zoology is open to the public at the following times:

Tuesday – Friday: 1pm – 5pm
Saturday: 11am – 5pm

The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

How to get to the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology from YHA London Central

It’s about 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometres) from YHA London Central to the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology. The best way to get there is by walking.

On foot: It’s just a ten-minute walk from the Youth Hostel to the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology. The walk is simple. As you exit the hostel, turn left, and then take your first right onto Clipstone Street. Continue along this road until it becomes University Street, and you’ll find the museum in the Rockefeller Building on the right.

By public transport: There’s no public transport between YHA London Central and the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology due to their close proximity. The nearest tube stations to the Grant Museum of Zoology are Warren Street, Euston Square, and Goodge Street, all of which are within a five-minute walk.

By car: It takes approximately three minutes to drive from YHA London Central to the museum. There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces on site, available on a first-come first-served basis. These can be booked in advance by contacting the visitor services team.

If you don’t have your own car in London, you can use a rideshare app like Uber instead.