Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden, a national museum of natural history and a leading research institution. Awarded European Museum of the Year in 2021, Naturalis boasts an incredible collection of approximately 42 million specimens, making it one of the largest of its kind. Journey through millions of years of life on Earth, from towering dinosaur skeletons, including a magnificent T-Rex, to intricate insect displays and fascinating plant life, all presented in engaging and interactive exhibits.

Planning your visit to Naturalis is straightforward. The museum welcomes guests daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note specific closure dates in 2026, including King's Day (Monday, April 27), cleaning days (Tuesday, June 30, and Tuesday, September 1), and Christmas Day (Friday, December 26). General admission for visitors aged 4 and older is €18.00, with free entry for children up to 3 years old. Enhance your experience with the Rexperience, an interactive journey available for an additional €2.00 per person, which is also the only charge for Museum Card holders. The ground floor, featuring the LiveScience room, restaurant, and museum shop, is freely accessible to all.

Reaching Naturalis is convenient by various transport methods. It's a pleasant walk from Leiden Central train station; simply follow the clear signage from the LUMC side exit. Numerous bus lines (e.g., 31, 38, 401, 45, 9, 20, 400, 43) also stop directly at "Darwinweg/Naturalis," right at the museum's entrance. If arriving by car, the P+R Naturalis parking garage is located behind the museum on Mendelweg, costing €1.20 per half hour or €25.00 for a day ticket (maximum height 2.10 meters). Be aware of potential roadworks around Plesmanlaan and the A44 motorway in 2026, and plan extra travel time. The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and compact mobility scooters, offering accessible toilets, lifts, and free wheelchairs, though the Rexperience is not suitable for mobility scooters.

As Naturalis continuously evolves its offerings, visitors in 2026 might notice ongoing developments, such as work on a new "Primitive Garden" exhibit designed to further enrich the biodiversity experience. This commitment to both research and public engagement ensures every visit offers new insights into the planet's incredible natural heritage.