Life, As We Know It

From a gigantic Japanese spider crab to meteorites as old as the solar system, our new exhibits reveal the fascinating history of planet Earth and the evolution of Life, as we know it.

Over the course of its 4.54 billion year history, Earth has transformed from a hot ball of molten magma to a blue planet home to millions of species. How did Life, as we know it arise?

Discover the unique history of planet Earth with a visit to our twenty new displays. Learn about the biological and geological processes that have shaped our planet and given rise to an incredible diversity of life.

About the project

Beginning in 2018, the Life, as we know it redisplay project has involved the conservation of thousands of specimens and the development and installation of exciting new displays. Our Main Court is now home to twenty brand new exhibits housed in state-of-the-art showcases. The Life, as we know it redisplay project is set to continue with plans to open 16 new exhibits in Spring 2024.

A museum staff member placing specimens into a redisplay case

Museum staff members spent the summer installing new exhibits

A family standing in front of the new Life, as we know it case

Enjoy new displays for visitors of all ages

Research-led: Scientists from across the University of Oxford have contributed their world-leading expertise to the development of our new displays.

Accessible to all: Our new exhibits are designed to appeal to everyone from the casual browser to the detail-hungry learner.

Inspiring change: Our new displays will consider the past and future of our planet, with an aim to inspire our 750,000+ yearly visitors to take action and help preserve global biodiversity.

With thanks to FCC Communities Foundation for supporting these displays.

Conservation

Donations will be used to help us conserve our priceless specimens and house them in state-of-the-art cases, allowing them to be enjoyed by the public for decades to come.

Collaboration

Money raised will enable us to continue our work with world-leading researchers, designers, and technicians — utilising their expertise to produce cutting-edge displays.

Inspiration

OUMNH prides itself on its extensive engagement activities, particularly with families and young people. By contributing to Life, as we know it, you can help us to inspire the next generation of scientists, and raise public awareness about ongoing threats to biodiversity.

Innovation

Creative digital content will bring the new displays to life. During Phase 2, we used light scanning techniques to create a bank of digital 3D specimen models. With further funding, we will be able to build platforms to share these models, and make our collections accessible for a wide range of people in-gallery and online.