‌

Your guide to New Year’s Eve at Natural History Museum

Get ready to ring in the New Year like never before at the Natural History Museum! On 31 December, this landmark comes alive after hours with live music and the chance for you to explore galleries surrounded by dinosaurs and blue whales. Whether you’re dancing under the Hintze Hall skeleton or wandering through the Mammal and Earth Halls, you’ll discover a truly unforgettable way to welcome 2026.

What to expect at the Natural History Museum on New Year’s Eve?

Crowd ice skating by a Christmas tree at the Natural History Museum in London.
  • After-hours gallery access: If you’ve ever wanted to explore the Natural History Museum at night, this is your chance. Here, you get special after-dark entry to spaces like Hintze Hall, Earth Hall and the Mammal Gallery where the blue whale skeleton hangs overhead.
  • A celebration amongst skeletons: There’s something wildly fun about ringing in the New Year among dinosaur fossils and ancient creatures. Instead of daytime crowds, you’re wandering past towering skeletons with a drink in hand and soaking up a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
  • Music and disco: To keep the energy going, the night features live music and a full silent disco experience. Slip on your headphones, dance under the museum’s sweeping arches and enjoy the party without the booming speakers.
  • Access to selected exhibitions: A handful of exhibitions stay open during the event, giving you the chance to explore a few museum highlights at your own pace between dance floors and music zones.

Natural History Museum New Year’s Eve events

Ice rink and Christmas tree at Natural History Museum, London.

New Year’s Eve: Party at the Museum

  • Dates: 31 Dec 2025
  • Timings: 8pm–1:30am (last entry 10pm)
  • Location: Central Entrance
  • Included with admission: No (separate ticket required; from £140, members from £126)
  • Age restrictions: 18+ only

Ring in 2026 with a late-night celebration that packs in live music and after-hours access to selected galleries, including favourites like Hintze Hall and the Mammal Gallery. There’s entertainment running all evening, from ethical animal encounters with ZooLab to relaxed themed activities, plus the big midnight countdown to kick off the new year.

Silent disco with colorful headphones at the Natural History Museum, London.

Silent Disco

  • Dates: 19th December, 23rd January, 30th January and 27th February
  • Timings: 10pm–1am
  • Location: Hintze Hall
  • Included with admission: No (separate ticket required; £40, members £36)
  • Age restrictions: 18+ only

If you’ve ever wanted to dance beneath a blue whale, this is your moment. The Silent Disco fills Hintze Hall with three DJs competing across different wireless channels, so you can switch up your soundtrack with a tap on your headset. It’s a high-energy night in a jaw-dropping setting, with a full bar available if you want to grab drinks while you dance.

Plan your visit to Natural History Museum this New Year’s Eve

Child ice skating at the Natural History Museum rink in London.

The New Year’s Eve events are after-hours only.

  • Opening hours: 8pm
  • Last entry: 10pm
  • Event ends: 1:30am

Arrive right when doors open to avoid long queues and get first access to galleries, bars, and music zones

Address: Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom

  • By tube: District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, nearest station South Kensington
  • By bus: Routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, and C1, nearest stop Cromwell Road
  • By train: Victoria or Paddington stations are nearby
  • By car: Via A4, nearest parking at Queen’s Gate
Natural History Museum at night with lit Christmas tree and winter ice rink.
  • Central entrance: Head to the corner of Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road via the East Gate. This one is fully step-free with a ramp, so it’s the easiest option if you need level access.
  • East entrance: This entrance is on Exhibition Road. It’s not step-free, but there’s a lift from the lobby up to the galleries. Keep in mind it might close during busy times to help manage crowds.
  • West entrance: Found at the Upper West Gate on Queen’s Gate, open daily until 5pm. It’s not step-free, but you can use a lift from the lobby to reach the galleries.
Restroom sign at Louvre Museum entrance.
  • You’ll find accessible toilets on the Ground Floor, including one under the Hintze Hall stairs, and a Changing Places facility in the Blue Zone.
  • There’s a free cloakroom at the entrance where you can leave coats and small bags.
  • Bars are open throughout the night serving drinks, along with light snacks and hot food.
  • If you want a more relaxed bite, the museum has several cafes and restaurants, including the Central Café, Shake Bar, Earth Hall Café, and T. rex Grill.
  • You can also browse multiple gift shops for souvenirs, books, and fun educational items to take home.
Wheelchair access ramp sign with cityscape background.
  • The museum is mostly wheelchair accessible, with lifts and ramps to reach all floors and galleries.
  • If you need one, a limited number of wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Registered assistance animals are welcome throughout the museum.
Museum cloakroom with numbered lockers and staircase.
  • The event is strictly for guests aged 18 and over. Please bring a valid photo ID, as the Challenge 25 policy is in effect.
  • All bags will be checked at entry. Outside alcohol is not permitted and will be confiscated.
  • Tickets cannot be transferred, and no refunds or exchanges are offered.
  • Only bottled water is allowed inside the exhibition spaces, and food should be eaten in the designated café areas.
  • A cloakroom is available for a small fee to store coats and bags.
  • Prohibited items include alcohol, sharp objects, drones, knives, pepper spray, imitation firearms, offensive weapons, protest materials, and fireworks.
  • Pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
  • Flash photography is not permitted anywhere in the museum.

Visitor tips

  • Dress the part: Cocktail attire is perfect for the evening, but make sure your shoes are comfortable. You’ll be walking through grand halls and exploring galleries, so style meets practicality is key.
  • Plan your transport: Check public transport schedules in advance or book taxis and rideshares early. New year’s eve traffic and surge pricing can make last-minute travel tricky, so plan ahead.
  • Stay nearby: If you’re visiting from out of town, consider booking a nearby hotel for easy access to the museum and a smooth journey home after the party.
  • Rest and refuel: Moving between galleries and music zones can be tiring. Take breaks at the museum’s cafés and grab a drink or light snack to recharge.
  • Souvenirs and gifts: Don’t forget to visit the gift shops for dinosaur- and nature-inspired keepsakes to remember your unforgettable NYE experience.

Frequently asked questions about New Year’s Eve at Natural History Museum

Can I book tickets just for the New Year’s Eve events without a general admission ticket?

Yes, you only need a ticket for the New Year’s Eve event. Standard museum entry requires a regular ticket, while after-hours NYE access requires a separate ticket for adults aged 18 and over.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, the NYE events have a strict capacity to ensure safety and comfort. Once the venue reaches full capacity, no additional guests are admitted, so it’s best to book early to secure your spot.

Are New Year’s Eve events suitable for children?

No, these events are strictly for guests aged 18 and over. Everyone must show a valid photo ID at entry, and the Challenge 25 policy is enforced throughout the evening.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Yes, the event is mostly indoors, so it runs rain or shine. Outdoor areas may have limited access, but the galleries, music zones, and bars remain open regardless of the weather.

What happens if an event is cancelled and I’ve already booked my ticket?

In the rare case of a cancellation, the museum contacts ticket holders directly. Refunds or exchanges are only offered if the event is officially cancelled by the museum.

Are there accessible viewing options for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is largely wheelchair accessible with lifts and ramps to all floors. Accessible toilets are available, and registered assistance animals are welcome. Staff can provide support or fast-track entry if needed.

Can I bring my own food or drink to the event?

No, outside food and alcohol are not permitted and will be confiscated. Only bottled water is allowed inside the galleries. Cafés and bars on-site serve snacks, drinks, and hot food throughout the night.

How do I get to the museum on New Year’s Eve?

The museum is easily reached via South Kensington station (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines), buses, or nearby train stations like Victoria and Paddington. On-site parking is limited, but Blue Badge spaces are available for disabled visitors.