Nature's Cathedral

The Natural History Museum is home to many rare and exceptional natural wonders - but the magnificent Museum building is itself one of London's most iconic attractions. Envisioned by Alfred Waterhouse as a 'cathedral of nature', the building he created is one of Britain's most striking examples of Romanesque architecture and is considered a work of art in its own right. This picture-led exploration of the building celebrates Waterhouse's unique architectural accomplishment and showcases many of the artistic gems it houses; not least its incredibly detailed engravings, sculptures and painted ceiling. About the Museum With more than 80 million specimens, the scope of the Museum's collections is simply vast including the ill-fated dodo, dazzling diamonds and a full-size blue whale model. The Library of the Museum holds half a million artworks, comprising one of Britain's biggest art collections, and over one million books, including rare, richly illustrated antique volumes.