Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Museum Natural history museum focusing on biodiversity and specimens
In Leiden, Naturalis Biodiversity Center combines natural history collections, research galleries, and large fossils and specimens; its displays cover biodiversity, evolution and conservation with interactive exhibits and dioramas.
The Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the Dutch national museum and research centre for natural history and biodiversity. It conserves a very large collection of biological, geological and palaeontological specimens and presents rotating and permanent exhibitions on biodiversity and evolution.
Exhibitions range from mounted specimens and skeletons to interactive displays about species diversity and conservation, supported by extensive research and collections management behind the scenes. Public galleries explain scientific themes and show highlights from the collection.
Naturalis was formed by merging national natural history and botanical collections and consolidated its holdings into a modern facility which opened to the public in 2019. The centre combines public exhibition space with laboratories and collections storage for scientific work.
The centre is located in Leiden, South Holland, within walking distance of the city centre and transport links, serving both local visitors and national research users.
- Large collections and new building: Houses one of the Netherlands' largest natural history collections with on the order of tens of millions of specimens; the institution reopened in a new building in 2019.
- Research and exhibitions: Combines museum exhibitions with active scientific research in biodiversity, taxonomy and conservation.
Tips for Visiting Naturalis Biodiversity Center #
- Book a timed ticket and aim for a weekday morning or late afternoon to beat the busiest school-group periods that fill the main halls around midday.
- Start in the central hall to see the large skeletons (including the famous T. rex) and then work into the smaller cabinets and research displays-many visitors miss the research-collection displays and microscopes in the lower levels.
- Plan for a short walk from Leiden Centraal (about 10-20 minutes) and check Naturalis's website for temporary exhibitions or special events before you go.
Best Time to Visit Naturalis Biodiversity Center #
Visit on weekday mornings in the shoulder seasons to avoid the summer tourist crowds and school groups.
Weather & Climate near Naturalis Biodiversity Center #
Naturalis Biodiversity Center's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 0°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (839 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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