Birds: Brilliant & Bizarre – Natural History Museum’s Exciting New Exhibition

• Birds are the ultimate survivors; track their evolution from the age of the dinosaurs through to the present day
• Explore the astonishing adaptations and behaviours that have led birds to triumph on every corner of Earth
• Find your role in protecting birds and their legacy for a future where people and the planet thrive
• Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre has been created in affiliation with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Advance tickets are available to book from 09:30 GMT 19 February 
• Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre will run 24 May 2024 – 05 January 2025

Prepare to be captivated this Spring as you discover the weird and wonderful ways in which birds have survived for over 150 million years in the Natural History Museum’s brand-new exhibition: Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre, opening 24 May. Created in affiliation with the RSPB the new exhibition is the first to focus on our feathered friends in over 20 years and will raise awareness of the new dangers facing birds and empower people to take action to protect them. 

Embark on a thrilling odyssey where the ancient past and the vibrant present collide in a symphony of colour, flight and survival. Dive deep into the heart of evolution as you witness birds rise from their dinosaur roots to become one of the most diverse and extraordinary groups of animals in the world. Through captivating installations and hands-on exhibits, visitors will feel how fast a hummingbird’s heart beats when in flight, sniff the strange oil one bird uses to protect its eggs and listen to the sound of a reinvigorated dawn chorus as we present a vision of the UK in 2050, where birds are bouncing back following positive changes made to protect them.

Specimens alongside these installations include the Wonderchicken, the oldest known fossil of a modern bird which survived the mass extinctions triggered by an asteroid strike 66 million years ago; a replica of a stork that flew across the world from the African continent with a spear lodged in its neck, revealing how far it had flown and unravelling the mystery of migration; and headdress of the ‘Hargila army’, an inspirational group of women in the Indian state of Assam who work to protect one of the world’s rarest storks.

Hargila army papier-mache headdress that will feature in the new exhibition

© Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London

Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum said, ‘We extend a warm welcome to all curious minds at Birds: Brilliant & Bizarre. Birds, often seen but not fully understood, lead lives that are both fascinating and truly bizarre.

‘They are one of the most studied groups of animals on the planet and the Museum cares for one of the world’s best collections with which to tell their tale. 

‘Our goal is to inspire action for the planet, fostering a future where people and our feathered companions thrive.’

Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB said: ‘Birds have fascinated people throughout history, from some of the earliest cave paintings to today’s most popular wildlife documentaries. For many of us seeing birds in our parks and gardens is our first interaction with wildlife, creating a lifelong connection with nature that highlights both the beauty and fragility of the amazing creatures with which we share our world.

‘This wonderful exhibition by the brilliant Natural History Museum is a chance to discover more about the origins of the birds we see today and how we can all play a role in ensuring they continue to surround and inspire each future generation.’

Natural History Museum conservators preparing a Great Bustard specimen for Birds: Brilliant & Bizarre  

© Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London 

Birds: Brilliant and Bizarre has been supported by Associate Donor Huo Family Foundation

Advance tickets are available to book from 09:30 GMT on 19 February ahead of opening on 24 May. RSPB Members get 20% discount when booking.

Dates: 24 May 2024 – 05 January 2025

Times: Monday – Sunday 10.00-17.50 (last entry 16.30)

Price: Adult tickets from £16.50*, child £9.95* and Family £29.00** – £50.25**

(*Prices excluding optional Gift Aid donation to the Museum.)

(** Family tickets are not eligible for RSPB member discount.)

Tickets:     Available to pre-book now