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11 May 2017

NHM reveals Whales exhibition

A new exhibition showcasing the evolutionary journey of Blue Whales will be revealed at the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London this summer, running until late 2018.

Anchored by a blue whale skeleton in the main Hintze Hall, ‘Whales’ will showcase more than 100 behind-the-scenes specimens from the museum’s research collection – on public show for the first time.

Complete skeletons will reveal the secret to swimming like a whale, while skulls, flippers and jaw bones uncover how these magnificent mammals move, breathe, feed and sense their surroundings. Different species ranging from the vast sperm whale, as large as a double decker bus, through to the rather more compact 1.5-metre long harbour porpoise can be seen up close.

Guests can also listen to the sounds and songs that many species use to attract potential mates and explore the emotions of these sociable mammals.

Richard Sabin, whale expert at NHM, says: “Whales are incredibly mysterious and complex creatures, as well as being the giants of the seas. This exhibition brings you face to face with some of the world’s most impressive whale specimens, and shows how we are starting to understand and answer the biggest challenges facing whales today.

“New techniques and scientific developments are giving us the tools to use specimens including the ones you will see, to monitor human impact, pollution and climate change. This collection is an active resource for protecting whales now and in the future.”