Terracotta Façade & Architectural Details

Admire the Natural History Museum’s terracotta façade—intricate carvings of flora and fauna in Romanesque Revival style.

Brief History: Designed by Alfred Waterhouse in the late 19th century to house Britain’s natural history collections. Notable Features: Ornate terracotta tiles with relief sculptures of plants, animals, and fossils. The façade’s color and material were chosen for durability in London’s sooty Victorian air. Fun Fact: The carvings depict both extinct and living species—symbolizing the continuum of life. Current Use: Visitors admire and photograph the exterior before entering; it’s a prime example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the UK.