BECK has completed the first phase of the refurbishment of the iconic Mammals (blue whale) gallery at the Natural History Museum.
The Museum is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive and fascinating collections of mammals, made up of over 80 million specimens. The works have enhanced the gallery to improved visitor circulation and access to the displays and to allow exploration of displays which show the extraordinary diversity and challenges facing the mammalian world.
The refurbishment of the Mammals (blue whale) gallery is part of a programme of gallery enhancements at the Museum, and this first phase of the Mammals (blue whale) gallery project focusses on the central hall. The project included the careful reconfiguration and renovation of the space to better showcase the historic blue whale model, the hanging whale specimens, the large mammals and the beautiful 1930s hall itself.
The project scope involved the removal and disposal of existing exhibition displays, improving visitor circulation, and the redisplay of the large mammals in the central areas of the hall. This included the installation of new exhibition setworks, brand new showcases, and overhaul of the lighting systems, flooring, graphics, balustrading, and decoration to enhance the architectural features of the Grade 1 listed building.
The BECK team worked closely with the Museum throughout the gallery refurbishment. Scaffolding that filled the entire hall gave access to the Museum’s conservation team to clean and conserve the large-scale models and skeletons that have been suspended from the ceiling since the 1930’s.
Pictured below: The Natural History Museum site team, 1930.
Collaboration between BECK and the Museum enabled the relocation of some of the large specimens and the removal of others into storage for further conservation. Protection and conservation remained the main objective during the refurbishment.
The renewed gallery will engage visitors on a journey through the mammalian kingdom, from the endangers pygmy hog of India to the majestic blue whale. The galleries showcase the remarkable diversity of mammals and highlight the urgent conservation challenges they face. This transformative project elevates the Natural History Museum’s Mammals (blue whale) gallery, ensuring it remains a must-visit destination for visitors of all ages.
Works commenced on site in September 2023 and the gallery reopened on Friday 29th March.
Pictured right: The BECK project team 2024
Dal Chana, Group Board Director at BECK says: “We were incredibly proud to be awarded this contract at the Natural History Museum’s iconic Mammals (blue whale) gallery. The museum is a world-renowned institution, and this is a prestigious project that showcases our expertise in creating engaging environments. The museum’s Mammals galleries are home to some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring creatures on Earth. We have worked closely with the Museum to protect the existing exhibition structures and delivered a world-class space that will inspire visitors of all ages.”
Ends.
(Headline image by Bruno Martins on Unsplash. Image of the Natural History Museum team courtesy of the Natural History Museum.)