How to Visit Grant Museum Zoological

The Grant Museum of Zoology, located in the heart of London at University College London (UCL), is one of the most remarkable yet underappreciated natural history collections in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1828 by Professor Robert Grant, it houses over 68,000 zoological specimens, ranging from extinct species like the dodo and quagga to rare and bizarre creatures such as the thylacine and the giant armadillo. Unlike larger, more commercial museums, the Grant Museum offers an intimate, authentic, and intellectually rich experience—perfect for students, researchers, curious travelers, and anyone fascinated by the diversity of life on Earth.

Visiting the Grant Museum is not just about viewing specimens behind glass. It’s about stepping into a living archive of evolutionary biology, scientific history, and Victorian-era curiosity. The museum’s uncurated aesthetic—where specimens are displayed in open cabinets without elaborate lighting or digital screens—creates a rare opportunity to witness science as it was practiced over two centuries ago. This authenticity is precisely what makes it a treasure for those seeking depth over spectacle.

For many, the challenge lies not in finding the museum, but in understanding how to plan a meaningful visit. Unlike major institutions with guided tours, ticketing systems, and visitor apps, the Grant Museum operates with minimal staffing and no formal booking system. This freedom is part of its charm—but also requires thoughtful preparation. This guide will walk you through every practical step to ensure your visit is seamless, respectful, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re a biology student, a history enthusiast, or simply someone drawn to the strange and beautiful, this tutorial will help you navigate the museum with confidence and insight.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Confirm Opening Hours and Plan Your Visit

The Grant Museum of Zoology is open to the public free of charge, but its hours are limited compared to larger museums. As of the latest update, the museum operates Tuesday through Saturday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and during university holidays. Before planning your trip, always verify the current schedule on the official UCL website or via the museum’s social media channels, as hours may shift during exam periods or seasonal closures.

Arriving shortly after opening—between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM—is ideal. This ensures you’ll have the space to explore without crowds and gives you the best chance to speak with a museum attendant if you have questions. Weekday afternoons are typically quieter than weekends, making them preferable for a contemplative visit. Avoid visiting during UCL’s open days or major academic events, as the building may be crowded with prospective students and families.

2. Locate the Museum Within UCL

The Grant Museum is situated on the ground floor of the UCL Main Building in Bloomsbury, central London. The exact address is: 21 University Street, London, WC1E 6DE. The nearest underground stations are: Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines), Warren Street (Northern, Victoria lines), and Russell Square (Piccadilly line). All are within a 10-minute walk.

Once you arrive at UCL’s main entrance on Gower Street, follow signs for “Museums & Collections” or “Grant Museum.” The museum is located in the same building as the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology and the Geology Collections. Enter through the main doors, turn left past the reception desk, and continue down the corridor marked “Museums.” You’ll see the Grant Museum’s distinctive glass-fronted cabinets just ahead. There are no ticket booths or security checkpoints—entry is self-service and open access.

3. Prepare for the Environment

The Grant Museum does not have climate-controlled exhibit areas like modern museums. The temperature can vary depending on the season, and lighting is natural and minimal. Bring a light jacket if visiting during colder months. The floors are historic hardwood, and some areas may have slight inclines or uneven surfaces—wear comfortable, non-slip footwear.

Photography is permitted without flash for personal, non-commercial use. Tripods and professional lighting equipment are not allowed. If you plan to photograph specimens for academic or publication purposes, contact the museum in advance to request permission. Flash photography can damage fragile specimens and disturb other visitors.

4. Understand the Layout and Display System

The museum’s layout is organized taxonomically, meaning specimens are grouped by biological classification: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Unlike traditional museums that use thematic storytelling, the Grant Museum preserves the original 19th-century cataloging system, which reflects the scientific priorities of its time. You’ll find cabinets labeled with handwritten cards, some dating back to the 1800s.

Start your visit at the central aisle, where the most iconic specimens are displayed: the extinct quagga, the skeleton of the last known dodo, and the jarred remains of the Tasmanian tiger (thylacine). From there, move systematically through the cabinets. Don’t rush—each drawer and shelf holds stories of scientific discovery, colonial collecting, and ethical evolution in natural history.

Look for the “Zoological Specimen” labels. Many include the collector’s name, date, and location. Some specimens were collected during British naval expeditions, while others came from private collectors or animal trade networks. Understanding this context adds depth to your visit.

5. Engage with the Staff and Volunteers

Though the museum is small, it is staffed by trained volunteers and UCL curators during opening hours. These individuals are passionate about the collection and often eager to share insights. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. You might learn about the history of a particular specimen, how it was preserved, or why certain animals were collected in the first place.

Volunteers often wear UCL-branded lanyards and are stationed near the entrance or near high-traffic cabinets. They can point you to lesser-known highlights, such as the collection of fetal specimens, the jar of preserved platypus eggs, or the skeleton of a rare albino gorilla. These are not always labeled prominently, so a conversation can unlock hidden gems.

6. Respect the Space and Specimens

The Grant Museum operates on trust and respect. There are no barriers or alarms around most specimens. This means visitors must exercise caution. Do not touch any glass cabinets, labels, or specimens. Even light pressure can cause microfractures in old glass or dislodge fragile tissue samples. Avoid leaning on display cases, and keep bags and coats away from the edges of shelves.

Do not use food, drink, or gum inside the museum. The scent of perfume or strong deodorants can affect the preservation of organic specimens over time. Silence your phone and avoid loud conversations. This is a working research collection, not a theme park. Many of the specimens are still used by UCL students and researchers for teaching and study.

7. Document Your Visit

Take notes. Bring a small notebook or use your phone’s notes app to record observations. You might want to jot down specimen names, dates, or questions that arise. The museum does not provide printed guides, so your own documentation becomes part of your learning experience.

If you’re particularly interested in a specific animal or taxonomic group, consider researching it further after your visit. The museum’s online catalog is accessible through UCL’s Collections website, where you can search by species, collector, or date. Many specimens have digitized records with high-resolution images and historical notes.

8. Extend Your Experience

After your visit, consider exploring the other UCL Museums nearby. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology is just a few doors down and features over 80,000 ancient artifacts. The Octagon Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions on science, history, and art. UCL’s Bloomsbury campus is also rich in architectural heritage—take a moment to admire the neoclassical design of the Main Building and the surrounding quad.

If you’re visiting with students or educators, inquire about the museum’s educational outreach programs. UCL offers free workshops for school groups and university classes, often tailored to curriculum topics in biology, anthropology, and history of science.

Best Practices

1. Visit with Purpose

Approach your visit with curiosity, not checklist mentality. The Grant Museum rewards slow, intentional observation. Instead of trying to “see everything,” pick one or two specimens that intrigue you and study them deeply. What does the preservation technique reveal about 19th-century science? How does the labeling reflect colonial attitudes? What does the absence of certain animals say about historical biases in collection?

2. Research Before You Go

While the museum doesn’t require pre-visit research, doing so enhances your experience. Read about Robert Grant’s role in early evolutionary theory—he was a mentor to Charles Darwin and an early proponent of Lamarckian ideas. Familiarize yourself with the concept of “natural history cabinets,” which were the precursors to modern museums. Knowing that many specimens were collected during the British Empire’s global expansion adds critical context to their presence in London.

3. Avoid Peak Times

The museum is rarely crowded, but it can be busier during school holidays and UCL’s open days. If you prefer solitude and quiet contemplation, visit on a weekday afternoon during term time. Avoid Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons if you want to avoid groups of tourists or families with young children who may not understand the sensitivity of the collection.

4. Bring a Camera, But Use It Thoughtfully

Photography is a powerful tool for learning, but it should not replace observation. Spend time looking at a specimen before you photograph it. Notice the texture of the fur, the curvature of the bone, the color fading in the label ink. Then take your photo. Later, when reviewing your images, you’ll notice details you missed in the moment.

5. Respect the Academic Nature of the Collection

This is not a tourist attraction—it’s a working scientific archive. Many specimens are still used in university teaching. Avoid loud laughter, phone calls, or disruptive behavior. If you see students working at tables near the cabinets, give them space. They may be studying comparative anatomy or preparing for exams.

6. Support the Museum

While entry is free, the museum relies on donations to maintain its collection. Consider leaving a small contribution in the donation box near the exit. Your support helps preserve specimens, digitize records, and train volunteers. You can also follow the museum on social media or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about events, research updates, and conservation efforts.

7. Be Mindful of Ethical Context

Some specimens were acquired during periods of colonial exploitation, unethical collecting, or animal cruelty by modern standards. Acknowledge this complexity. The museum does not shy away from these histories—in fact, it encourages critical reflection. Use your visit as an opportunity to think about how science has evolved in its ethics, representation, and relationship to indigenous knowledge and global equity.

8. Share Your Experience Responsibly

If you write a blog, post on social media, or create content about your visit, avoid sensationalizing the specimens. Do not refer to them as “creepy,” “weird,” or “macabre.” These terms diminish their scientific value. Instead, use language like “fascinating,” “historically significant,” or “rarely preserved.” Accurate, respectful language helps shift public perception of natural history collections from morbid curiosity to intellectual heritage.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Website: UCL Museums & Collections

The primary resource for planning your visit is the UCL Museums & Collections website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/collections/grant-museum-zoology. Here you’ll find up-to-date opening hours, accessibility information, historical background, and links to the online collection database. The site also includes virtual tours and educational resources for teachers and students.

2. Online Collection Database

UCL’s online catalog allows you to search over 50,000 specimens by species, collector, date, or location. You can view high-resolution images, read original catalog notes, and even download metadata for academic use. This tool is invaluable for researchers and pre-visit planning. Search terms like “dodo,” “thylacine,” or “Robert Grant” yield rich results.

3. Mobile Apps and Audio Guides

While the museum does not provide an official app, third-party platforms like Google Arts & Culture feature curated content on the Grant Museum. You can explore selected specimens virtually and read expert commentary. For those who prefer audio, UCL occasionally releases short podcasts on its YouTube channel, discussing specific collections and conservation stories.

4. Recommended Reading

• The Zoological Record by Robert Grant (1828) – The original catalog that founded the museum.
• Curiosities of Natural History by Francis Trevelyan Buckland – A 19th-century naturalist’s account of collecting practices.
• Empire of the Deep: The History of Marine Specimen Collection by Helen M. R. Lawrence – Contextualizes the museum’s marine collections within British naval history.
• Death and the Museum by Elizabeth Hallam – A scholarly exploration of how museums handle mortality and preservation.

5. Accessibility Resources

The museum is wheelchair accessible via a ramp at the main entrance. All display cabinets are at accessible heights. Tactile models and large-print labels are available upon request—contact the museum in advance to arrange. Guide dogs are welcome. The building has limited seating, but benches are available near the entrance and in the adjacent corridor.

6. Social Media and Community

Follow the Grant Museum on Instagram (@grantmuseum) and Twitter (@GrantMuseum) for behind-the-scenes content, specimen spotlights, and announcements about special events. The museum’s community of followers includes scientists, artists, historians, and curious travelers who often share their own photos and discoveries. Engaging with this community can deepen your appreciation before and after your visit.

7. Academic Journals and Publications

For advanced visitors, scholarly articles on the Grant Museum’s collections are published in journals such as Notes and Records of the Royal Society, Journal of the History of Biology, and British Journal for the History of Science. Search JSTOR or Google Scholar using keywords like “Grant Museum,” “UCL zoology,” or “Victorian natural history collection.”

8. Local Transit and Mapping Tools

Use Google Maps or Citymapper to plan your route to UCL. Enter “Grant Museum of Zoology” as your destination. Both apps provide real-time updates on public transport delays and walking directions. If you’re using a bike, secure bike racks are available on Gower Street. Car parking is extremely limited in Bloomsbury—public transport is strongly recommended.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Biology Student’s Research Visit

Emily, a third-year zoology student at the University of Edinburgh, visited the Grant Museum to study the skeletal structure of marsupials for her thesis. She focused on the thylacine specimen—a species extinct since 1936. Using the online catalog beforehand, she identified the specimen’s catalog number (GZM 1897.1.1) and requested a high-resolution image of its skull. During her visit, she spent two hours comparing the specimen’s jaw articulation with museum records and photographing details not visible in digital images. She later published a paper on marsupial cranial evolution, crediting the Grant Museum’s original collection as a primary source.

Example 2: A Traveler’s Unexpected Discovery

David, a retired teacher from Manchester, visited London on a whim and stumbled upon the museum while exploring UCL. He had no prior knowledge of the collection but was drawn in by the quiet atmosphere and the sight of a preserved giant squid in a glass jar. He spent an hour reading the handwritten labels and speaking with a volunteer who explained how the squid was caught off the coast of Newfoundland in 1882. David later wrote a blog post titled “The Quiet Museum That Changed My View of Science,” which went viral among history and education blogs.

Example 3: A High School Class Project

A group of 16-year-olds from a London state school visited the museum as part of a biology unit on extinction. Their teacher asked them to select one specimen and write a short narrative from the animal’s perspective. One student chose the quagga, a subspecies of zebra hunted to extinction in the 1880s. Her piece, written in the voice of the last quagga, was displayed in the school’s annual science exhibition and later shared with the museum, which included it in their educational outreach materials.

Example 4: An Artist’s Inspiration

Artist Lila Chen visited the museum to gather reference material for a series of ink drawings on forgotten species. She was particularly moved by the jarred remains of the Caribbean monk seal, one of the first marine mammals declared extinct by the U.S. government. Lila created a series of 12 artworks titled “Echoes in Glass,” which were exhibited at the Tate Modern’s “Nature Revisited” show. The museum later invited her to lead a workshop on art and extinction for visiting school groups.

Example 5: A Researcher’s Forgotten Artifact

In 2021, a UCL graduate student researching 19th-century specimen preservation discovered a previously undocumented label inside a drawer labeled “Miscellaneous Mammals.” The label, written in faded ink, indicated the specimen was collected by Charles Darwin during the HMS Beagle voyage. The specimen—a small marsupial skull—was later confirmed as part of Darwin’s personal collection, donated to Grant in 1837. The discovery prompted a new exhibition and renewed academic interest in the museum’s Darwin-related holdings.

FAQs

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Grant Museum of Zoology?

No. Entry to the Grant Museum is completely free. Donations are welcomed but not required.

Do I need to book a ticket or reserve a time slot?

No. The museum operates on a walk-in basis. There is no booking system, and no timed entry.

Can I bring children to the museum?

Yes. Children are welcome, but parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring they do not touch specimens or disrupt others. The museum is not designed as a children’s play space, so quiet, respectful behavior is expected.

Are there restrooms or a café nearby?

Yes. Public restrooms are located on the ground floor of the UCL Main Building, near the museum entrance. There is no café inside the museum, but several cafés and restaurants are within a 3-minute walk, including the UCL Student Union café and the nearby Bloomsbury Square cafés.

Can I take photos inside the museum?

Yes, for personal, non-commercial use. Flash photography, tripods, and professional lighting are not permitted.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The main entrance has a ramp, and all exhibit areas are on a single level with wide aisles. Accessible restrooms are available nearby. Contact the museum in advance if you require tactile models or large-print guides.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes and 2 hours. A quick overview takes about 30 minutes. To fully appreciate the context, history, and detail, allow at least 90 minutes.

Are guided tours available?

There are no regularly scheduled guided tours. However, volunteers are often present to answer questions. Group visits (10+ people) can request a tailored orientation by emailing the museum in advance.

Can I study or work inside the museum?

Yes, but only quietly and without obstructing other visitors. The museum is not a study lounge, so extended stays with laptops or books should be kept to a minimum. Designated seating is available in the adjacent corridor.

What happens if a specimen is damaged or missing?

Report any concerns to a staff member immediately. The museum maintains strict conservation protocols and logs all specimen conditions. Do not attempt to move or handle anything yourself.

Is the museum open on public holidays?

Typically, no. The museum closes during major UK holidays, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Check the UCL website for holiday closures before planning your visit.

Can I donate a specimen to the museum?

The museum rarely accepts new specimens due to conservation and space constraints. If you have a biological specimen you believe may be of scientific value, contact the Curator of Collections via the UCL website for guidance.

Conclusion

Visiting the Grant Museum of Zoology is not merely an outing—it is an immersion into the foundations of biological science. In an age of digital interfaces and interactive exhibits, this museum stands as a quiet monument to the meticulous, often unglamorous work of early naturalists. Here, you encounter not just the bones and skins of animals, but the ambitions, errors, and ethical dilemmas of human curiosity across centuries.

By following this guide, you’ve learned how to navigate the museum’s physical space, understand its historical context, engage respectfully with its collections, and extend your learning beyond the walls. You now know that the power of the Grant Museum lies not in its size or spectacle, but in its honesty. The specimens do not pretend to be more than they are. They are fragments of life, preserved in glass and time, waiting for someone to look closely.

As you leave, consider this: every specimen you saw was once a living creature, part of an ecosystem, a story, a lineage. The museum doesn’t just preserve animals—it preserves memory. And in preserving memory, it invites us to reflect on our own place in the natural world.

Plan your visit. Bring your curiosity. Leave your assumptions at the door. And step into a space where science, history, and wonder still live—not in digital displays, but in the quiet, enduring presence of the real.