The collection includes original specimens collected by Charles Darwin during his expedition on the HMS Beagle.
The museum houses a fin whale skeleton that is 21 meters long and is suspended from the ceiling of the Whale Hall.
It holds the only known specimen of the dodo's soft tissue remnants in its extensive bird collection.
The museum contains several type specimens, which are the original individuals used to formally describe and name a new species.
The building is named after Sir David Attenborough, who officially reopened the museum following its major 2018 renovation.
It serves as a home to significant collections from historical figures like Alfred Russel Wallace and William Swainson.
The museum's holdings include rare fossils from the Burgess Shale, providing insights into the Cambrian explosion of life.
The institution maintains a significant collection of Blaschka glass models of marine invertebrates dating back to the 19th century.
The University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge is a globally significant natural history institution housing approximately two million biological specimens. The museum is located within the David Attenborough Building and functions as a primary research and teaching facility for the University of Cambridge. Its collection spans the entire animal kingdom, featuring both extinct species and modern biodiversity. Visitors can view the skeleton of a fin whale suspended in the main gallery. The museum underwent a major refurbishment in 2018, which modernized its display layout and accessibility. It holds extensive historical collections, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the HMS Beagle. The facility integrates public exhibitions with active scientific research conducted by university staff. Exhibits are organized to illustrate evolutionary relationships and the history of life on Earth.
Directly underneath the suspended fin whale skeleton in the Whale Hall.
Check the museum's official website for any specific temporary gallery closures before visiting, as research areas sometimes rotate.
Look for the volunteer guides stationed in the main hall who can provide detailed context on the specific collections.
Use the interactive digital touchscreens available throughout the galleries to access deeper data on the specimen history.
Do not attempt to touch the open-display specimens, as many are fragile or chemically preserved, and the area is under constant camera surveillance.
Closed on Mondays.
No food or drink allowed; photography is permitted for non-commercial use only.
