Eton College Natural History Museum

A Storied Legacy of Natural History

The Eton College Natural History Museum was founded in 1875 to house the Thackeray Collection of British Birds, gifted to the college in 1850. Since relocating to its current Victorian building in 1895, the museum has expanded to include over 17,000 specimens. These range from fossils dating back to the Pre-Cambrian era to ethnographic artifacts collected by notable explorers. The museum celebrates figures such as Sir Joseph Banks, with a detailed replica of his cabin aboard the HMB Endeavour, and showcases the scientific legacy of Charles Darwin and his voyage on the Beagle.

Rich and Diverse Collections

Visitors can explore extensive fossil collections including casts of dinosaurs like Allosaurus and Iguanodon. The Thackeray Collection remains a highlight, alongside the Hincks Herbarium with 4,000 pressed plants from the early 19th century. The Newall Collection of over 1,400 bird eggs serves as a poignant World War I memorial. Unique exhibits such as a two-headed kitten and a four-footed duck have fascinated generations. The museum’s Kakapo, a critically endangered nocturnal parrot from New Zealand, is among its most photogenic displays.

Engaging and Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Though compact, the museum is designed to be accessible and engaging for families and school groups. Interactive trails and hands-on activities encourage children to learn about biology and natural history in an immersive way. The museum is an accredited learning destination and regularly hosts family learning events. Staff are welcoming and available to assist visitors, enhancing the educational experience.

Visiting Experience and Accessibility

The museum is open free to the public on Sunday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4pm during term time, with occasional closures for holidays or special exhibitions. Access is via a historic building with staircases, and currently, the lift is out of order, limiting accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Facilities include baby-changing and drinking water nearby, with local cafes a short walk away. The museum encourages donations to support its upkeep.

Connection to Eton College and Surroundings

Located on South Meadow Lane in Windsor, the museum is part of a cluster of Eton College’s cultural sites, including the Museum of Eton Life and the Museum of Antiquities. Visitors often combine visits to these museums with exploring Windsor’s historic attractions. The museum’s setting within the college grounds adds a unique academic and historic ambiance to the natural history exhibits.

Preserving Natural Heritage for Future Generations

The museum continues to grow its collections and outreach, partnering with local schools and organizations. It serves as a vital educational resource, preserving natural history specimens and inspiring curiosity about the natural world. Its blend of scientific importance, historical context, and engaging displays makes it a hidden gem in Berkshire’s cultural landscape.