Nature's Cathedral: A guide to the Natural History Museum building

by London Natural History Museum (Primary Contributor)

The Natural History Museum is home to many rare and exceptional natural wonders – but the magnificent Museum building is itself one of London’s most iconic attractions. Envisioned by Alfred Waterhouse as a cathedral of nature, the building he created is one of Britain’s most striking examples of Romanesque architecture and is considered a work of art in its own right. This picture-led exploration of the building celebrates Waterhouse’s unique architectural accomplishment and showcases many of the artistic gems it houses; not least it’s incredibly detailed engravings, sculptures and painted ceiling.

Genres: Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. A perfect memento of my visit! The book beautiful captures the stunning architectural elements of this unique building, and explains in detail how the building came about. Very informative and beautiful to look at, just like the building itself.

[Timons Esaias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, I was surprised to learn from the gift shop of the Natural History Museum, London that they didn't have a book about the building itself. The building is beautifully decorated, similar in a way (though a different style) to the old Library of Congress building. I have two books on the LoC, so it seemed odd to me that the NHM didn't have one. I've rechecked over the years, and there was a book, but it isn't clear from online sources whether it has color pictures -- which would be essential. There is also a wonderfully illustrated book on just the peak ceiling panels, which has been tempting, but it would be only about 8% of what makes the building memorable.

Quite recently I discovered that this existed, and promptly ordered it.

I'll admit that I was disappointed at how small it is, being 6 1/8" x 7 1/8" (give or take), but the reproduction and photo quality is excellent. This is the book I've been waiting for.

One of the building's secret histories is that Waterhouse, the architect, was determined that it would be beautiful and richly decorated; but they kept cutting his budget. So, what he did was to build only one of the main sides of what was to be a quadrilateral complex, along with the directly adjacent connecting galleries. His plan was to build the rest when funds became available ... which they never did.

I loved vicariously revisiting the building after all these years. Obviously, we need to go back to see the newly-hung blue whale. (Dippy will probably be back from his tour by then, too.)

As I finished the book, though, I got to thinking. Do human beings do this anymore? Do we build densely decorated, aesthetically pleasing buildings anymore? I'm not readily thinking of one.

Strongly recommended.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photos presented in a beautiful little book. A lot of details I had never noticed previously, I enjoyed reading the history of the building.

[Jo Bennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning little book full of colour pictures of architect Alfred Waterhouse's 14 year masterpiece, excellent pictures of the amazing ornamental animals. Everything I had hoped for

[MR STEPHEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book! I picked it up on our last visit to the museum and was very pleasantly surprised to find something of this quality for the price (£9.99). It is a joy to read and the photographs are stunning. I will be spending at least as much time looking at the building as at the exhibits when I visit next!

[Nyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great, the museum has lots of details that this book brings to your attention, buy the book and see if you can find the hidden animals on your next visit to the library

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about a beautiful building.