NHM150 Western Galleries - Galleries Lead Designer (Fit Out) - Exhibition Design

In a building designed as a ‘cathedral to nature’, in a gallery that once displayed a parade of animals to the public, in a space used by curators to study the botanical world we’re creating a new gallery that invites visitors to reflect how nature is entwined in culture and societies. In the main gallery specimens and objects will be viewed as artefacts with cultural significance that can reveal the role that nature has played in all our lives from ancient times to the current day. From mummified falcons to nature as a legal entity; from a shared desire to classify the world around us to domestication of wild plants and animals, stories will explore our entangled histories. The Botany Library at the end of the gallery will retain its 1950’s furniture and atmosphere to provide a space events and conversations. When not in use for formal events it will be a quieter, contemplative space filled with books and punctuated by curios from the collection. Key information: •Area msq: 1,100 plus Botany Library (365 msq) •Fit-out main contractor budget range: £3.7m •Target completion date: September 2029

This gallery tells the extraordinary story of Life on Earth. Exploring the biodiversity we see across the globe today and unpicking the evolutionary journey that has helped shape it. Through a selection of star specimens from across the collections, we will create awe-inspiring wow-moments, as well as intimate displays where we encourage close observation and curiosity. Adjacent to this gallery, situated in the western tower, a new café and tea-room will provide a new offer for visitors - a light touch fitout which will enhance the atmosphere and decorated splendour of this historic space. Key information: •Area msq: 1,100 •Fit-out main contractor budget range: £4m •Target completion date: May 2031

The new gallery tells the story of dinosaurs’ evolution from a fresh perspective: where dinosaurs are not simply extinct fossils but are a spectacularly diverse and successful group of creatures whose descendants – birds – are still alive today. Featuring some of the most awe-inspiring, enormous specimens yet to be discovered, visitors will get a true sense of scale in the peak era of gigantism. New icons of the Museum will be born as several specimens will be fully mounted and displayed for the first time. Key Information •Area msq: 1,600 including Dino Shop (100sqm). •Fit out main contractor budget range £4.8m •Target completion date: July 2030

In 2028 a new gallery will be opened in what is currently referred to as ‘The Swing Space’; an original Waterhouse Building public gallery which is currently used as back of house space but which has recently been partially refurbished. A coherent visitor journey will combine a new shop with this exhibition, forming a link between the principal Dinosaurs Gallery and the future location of an Oceans gallery. Key Information: - Area msq: 530 - Fit out main contractor budget range: £1.6m - Target completion date: November 2028