Where the Darwin Debate Took Place

At a Glance

Oxford University Museum of Natural History, opened 1860, is a Neo-Gothic glass-roofed cathedral for nature. Benjamin Woodward's design houses 7 million specimens. Free entry.

The 1860 Darwin Debate

Just after opening, Huxley and Bishop Wilberforce debated Darwin's evolution here — a milestone in scientific history.

Highlights

• Iguanodon and T-Rex skeletons.
• Dodo specimen — inspired Alice in Wonderland.
• 30,000 minerals and 2,000 gems.
• 5 million insects in the reserves.
• Attached Pitt Rivers Museum with 500,000 ethnographic objects.

Visiting Tips

Train to Oxford; 15-min walk. Free. 2.5–3 hours. Pair with Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean.