Naturalis Biodiversity Museum

Naturalis is the national natural history museum of the Netherlands, and it stands beside Leiden's railway station in a striking modern building opened in the late 2010s. The institution is much older than the building. Its roots go back to the early nineteenth century, when the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie was set up in Leiden, a city already famous for its university and its scientific heritage. Over two centuries it built up one of the largest natural history collections in the world, counted in tens of millions of specimens.

The museum is built around a few well-chosen themes. Exhibitions look at the history of life on Earth, the forces that shape the planet, the diversity of living things and the effects of humans on the environment. Large exhibits help the story along. A real Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed Trix, was found in Montana in the early 2010s and is one of the most complete examples of the species known. Other fossils, including giants of the prehistoric seas and land, share the halls with mounted skeletons of modern animals, dioramas of habitats from around the world and displays of insects, shells, minerals and plants.

The collection includes objects of special scientific importance. Among the most famous are the fossils found at Trinil in Java by the Dutch doctor Eugene Dubois in the 1890s, remains of a human ancestor that he called Pithecanthropus and which is now known as Homo erectus. The material is treated as an item of world heritage. The museum is also a research institute, so scientists work behind the scenes, and in places visitors can watch preparators at work or learn about current projects in biodiversity research and conservation.

The approach is hands-on and aimed at all ages. Children can touch specimens, use interactive displays and take part in activities, and adults will find plenty of detail in labels and multimedia presentations. The building has a cafe and shop, and its open spaces make it easy to pace a visit.

Leiden itself is a lovely city to explore. The canals, the botanical garden of the university, Museum Boerhaave, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and the windmill museum De Valk are all within a short walk or bike ride. Naturalis suits families, school groups and anyone curious about the natural world. Allow at least two hours, and check opening times and tickets online before going, since busy periods can sell out.