Natural Sciences Museum

About the museum

The museum in Hillsborough, Sheffield, opened on 13 August 2022 as the Yorkshire Natural History Museum and now presents itself as the Natural Sciences Museum. It was founded by the palaeontologist James Hogg, who built it around his private collection, and it is run as a small charity in an Edwardian building on Holme Lane.

The core of the collection is the prehistoric life of Yorkshire, especially Jurassic marine animals such as ammonites, belemnites and marine reptiles. Displays also include minerals and modern skeletons, all shown in a single gallery that holds a maximum of 60 visitors. The museum also works as a centre for learning and research: it offers school and homeschool programmes, a lab experience in fossil preparation and a children’s fossil club, and visiting academics can use the collection.

Highlights

• Yorkshire fossils, including Jurassic marine life such as ammonites and marine reptiles
• Minerals and modern skeletons in a single gallery
• Guided tours that include viewing key objects under UV light
• Hands-on fossil preparation in a working palaeontology lab (ages 12 and over)
• Fossil Club for Kids on Sunday mornings (ages 5 to 14)

Permanent exhibition

• Fossils, minerals and skeletons – A single gallery of fossils, minerals and modern skeletons, centred on the prehistoric life of Yorkshire.

Founded

2022

Operated by

Natural Sciences Museum (registered charity 1214909)

Admission & discounts

Small charity that aims to keep admission affordable.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Because of the Edwardian building, the gallery is reached by a staircase. The museum says it is working to improve access, and for school groups it can arrange alternatives.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The Fossil Club for Kids runs on Sunday mornings for ages 5 to 14 and can be booked online or joined as a drop-in on the day. A family ticket is available.

Getting there & parking

Coach parking for school groups must be booked in advance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Gift shop with science-inspired gifts, books and toys, open to everyone including those not visiting the gallery.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 24 guests.

The Learning Room (up to 12 guests) and the Henry Sorby Meeting Room (up to 8) suit meetings and workshops; the Museum Gallery (up to 24) can be hired for family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries and wedding receptions.

Plan your visit