Tour of Natural History museum with a Darwin

Where I wish my flat was ! what a flat what a view

I have always loved the Natural History museum, and as such, it holds a special place in my heart. So much so, that if someone asked me whether I ever had a girlfriend, I would reply that my heart belongs to the museum of Natural History and her alone.

I am a lucky man in many ways as I am a member of the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. I first went there when I was five with my father who is a scientist. Seeing it through his eyes gave me an insight into this wonderful world which I am deeply grateful for.

The Natural History Museum was the brainchild of Sir Richard Owen. It took seven years to build and was completed in 1881. At the time the museum was built, the Victorian era, they were interested in the fusion of the natural world and architecture.For this reason, architecture is one of the best parts of the Museum; it simply blows your mind.

This is exemplified in the Central hall where it is adorned 78 stone monkeys (and I do not mean the visitors, they are part of the permanent collection!) They were part of Waterhouse, the architect's, design. The roof of the Hintze hall is also often overlooked, even though it is incredible, as it shows a vast array of plants in all their pride and power.

I have always loved Hintze Hall of the Museum although I shall always find it synonymous with Dippy the dinosaur and am a little disappointed that he has now been replaced with a common Blue Whale.

One could think of the Natural History Museum almost like a church to nature. Since its opening in 1881, the Museum developed many varied and interesting collections. It has now grown to around 80 million specimens. Each one gives us a clearer understanding of how the species evolved, and, where possible, how they lived and more about their every day life.

One day I would like to be remembered like the famous doctor Sir Hans Sloane. Sir Hans Sloane organised the first main exhibition at the Natural history museum. He also invented chocolate as we know it today, which is not a natural food albeit a product of the coca bean (which was so precious that it was considered currency for the ancient Aztecs!)

There are over 300 scientists and specialists who work and study in the Museum. Each of whom have a specific purpose and role in the documentation, preservation or study of our natural world. I am sure that they have to get very high grades to work there, or at least an exceptional curriculum vitae. What a place to work; in the cathedral of natural history!

I have been lucky enough to visit the museum with a direct descendent of Charles Darwin. We have been there at least on three separate occasions now. George Darwin is a brilliant tour guide, he has shown me different areas of the museum. It is very special to have wandered the halls with the grandchild of one of the greatest natural scientists of all time.

When you know one of the most impressive families of science it really is inspiring! What makes it so special, is that they share some of their family stories which are always interesting. I have always supported the Darwin theory of evolution and after having talked to George's family, I have acquired an even greater appreciation and respect for their forefather's groundbreaking work.

My favourite saying is that one must always "reach for the stars"and when I visit the Natural History Museum, especially with George, I feel like a comet heading towards the heavens.