Historic landmark extended into the 21st century
The Natural History Museum, one of London’s most treasured buildings is getting a bold new extension. Designed by Danish firm C. F. Møller Architects, the Darwin Centre phase two, is on site and is expected to be completed in 2009. The design features a compelling and strong architectural image communicating the vast and unparalleled entomological and botanical collections of the Natural History Museum. Darwin Centre phase two takes the form of an enormous cocoon in a glass covering. Museum guests will be able to explore the interior of the cocoon. The cocoon will house the museum’s unique collection of 28 million insects and 3 million plants, as well as working laboratories for 250 scientists from all over the world. The shape and size of the cocoon provides the visitor with a palpable understanding of the scale of the collections. The Danish firm C. F. Møller Architects was chosen for the commission in 2001, in competition with 59 other international architectural firms.
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