Stumble Upon Life-Size Dinosaurs & Rhinos @ The National Museum Of Natural History In Delhi!

At how many places in this world have you been greeted by a life-size ferocious-looking rhinoceros as soon as you enter? Can’t think of any?! Well, it’s time you visited the National Museum of Natural History in Delhi to treat your senses to the beautiful world of nature and its many wonders. Did we mention the hungry-looking dinosaur that bids you farewell when you exit?! The museum is spread over four floors and has many galleries dedicated to showcasing the wide diversity of flora, fauna and natural wealth found in the country. 

It was established on World Environment Day back in 1978 with the intent of creating awareness about our environment and the rich natural heritage among the masses and serving as an out-of-curriculum facility for children’s education. It’s come a long way in fulfilling its original objectives over the years, while also expanding into a world-class archive of valuable insights into our natural history that attracts tourists from all over the world.

The Galleries

Of the four galleries at the museum, the first one ‘Introduction to Natural History’ showcases the origin of life on earth and the evolution of life forms in diverse ecosystems. An immense variety of flora and fauna found in India are portrayed here by means of intricate life-like models, preserved fossils and recreated natural environments accompanied by wall panels imparting profound knowledge about their evolution and history. The second-floor gallery on ‘Ecology’ reproduces the interrelationships among plants, animals and the ecosystems they co-inhabit. It also sheds light on the current environmental problems.

The third gallery focuses on ‘Conservation’ and emphasizes the utmost importance of various types of ecosystems and the harm caused to the environment by the human hand in a symbolic way. A beautiful life-size diorama shows how a deciduous forest having a balanced ecosystem and another having a deforested, barren terrain would typically look, evoking a feeling of empathy and sense of awareness within the onlooker about the lasting effect the human race’s activities have on the environment and its dependents. 

Subsequent sections in the gallery portray various endangered species, conservation projects currently underway and the problems of pollution and the human population explosion with their negative impact on nature. Another gallery on the fourth floor is mostly used to put up temporary exhibitions on relevant themes from time to time.

A Resourceful Museum

Picture Credits: Aritra Saha

The museum offers various informative publications such as popular literature and leaflets on topics related to the environment. It also has an extensive collection of films on wildlife, environment and ecology etc., which are screened every day for visitors at the Museum’s auditorium on the third floor at fixed timings, usually at 11 AM and 3 PM.

There is also a library that is kept well stocked with reference books on all environment-related themes, useful for students and researchers alike. The museum is a minute’s walk away from Mandi House Metro Station and stays open from 10 - 5 PM on all days except Monday. No entry fee is charged and photography is allowed. Visitors may also request to avail of guided tours around the museum by trained personnel.

Doesn’t this museum sound wonderful? Drop by some time with your tiny tots so they can stare in awe at all the treasures housed here!

Where | National Museum Of Natural History - FICCI Auditorium Building, Barakhamba Road, Near Mandi House Metro Station, Tansen Marg
Entry | Free
Timings | 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed On Mondays)
Call Them | +91 11  2331 4849