Visiting the Grant Museum of Zoology with children: everything you need to know

What is the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The Grant Museum of Zoology was established in 1828 by Robert Edmond Grant at the University of London (now University College London). It is Britain’s oldest university zoological museum.

Initially created as a teaching collection by Grant, who was England’s first Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, the museum has grown from its original 10,000 specimens to house approximately 68,000 zoological specimens today.

While it has served as a continuous educational resource for UCL students since its founding, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1996 and now operates exhibitions, educational activities, and research opportunities, making it a vital bridge between UCL’s cutting-edge research and the local community.

Where is the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The Grant Museum of Zoology is located in the Rockefeller Building belonging to Unversity College London (UCL). It is located in the Fitzrovia neighbourhood in London. It is located just a short distance from Euston Station and not far from the British Museum.

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

Entrance to the Grant Museum of Zoology is free.

Do you need tickets for the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The Grant Museum of Zoology does not operate ticketed entry, entrance is for walk-ins only.

When is the Grant Museum of Zoology open?

The Grant Museum of Zoology is open:

Tuesday – Friday: 13.00-17.00
Saturday: 11.00-17.00

What is the nearest tube to the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The nearest Tube stations to the Grant Museum of Zoology is Euston Square (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines).

Several bus routes also stop nearby.

How do you get into the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The entrance to the Grant Museum of Zoology is located on University Street. Although small, the Museum is well signposted. Entrance is via either a few steps or a ramp.

Do I have to queue for the Grant Museum of Zoology?

Unless you arrive before it opens, there is no need to queue for entrance to the Grant Museum of Zoology.

What is there to see at the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The Grant Museum of Zoology collection includes several notable items that will be of interest to children, including:

• Giant deer skull and antlers – giant deer lived between 400000 and 7000 years ago. Standing at around 2m tall, male deer grew the largest antlers of any animal, which could reach 3.6m across;
• A quagga skeleton – Quaggas were a type of South African zebra with fewer stripes than other species. They were wiped out in the 1880s through hunting. The Grant Museum has one of only seven quagga skeletons in existence;
• African Rock Python Skeleton – This 5m long skeleton is displayed wrapped around a branch and belonged to a snake that lived at London Zoo; and
• The Micrarium – Over 2000 microscope slides giving a glimpse of the vast diversity of tiny animal life

What facilities are there for children at the Grant Museum of Zoology?

The Grant Museum of Zoology is a small museum, but they do what they can to cater well to children. In the centre of the museum is a large table and they provide pieces of paper and some pencils and crayons so children can draw pictures inspired by what they have seen. They can then either take these away or leave them on a board for others to see. They also offer a worksheet with things like wordsearches.

The Grant Museum of Zoology has a gender-neutral accessible toilet and baby care cubicle. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are welcome. Other forms of food and drink are not permitted.

How long can you spend at the Grant Museum of Zoology?

There’s no limit on how long you can spend there. Anticipate spending between 30-60 minutes there, depending on how interested your child is in the various exhibits.

Can you eat in the Grant Museum of Zoology?

No.