Darwin : Big idea

Excellent exhibition at the Natural History Museum to mark the bi-centennial of Darwin’s birth.

This exhibition took you through the process of how Darwin’s theory developed starting with his observations on board the Beagle, though the development of ideas once he was home, publication and the effects of that publication. Finally it took you through what the theory was and how modern scientific discoveries such as DNA have supported it.

I found it magical to see the original of Darwin’s tree of life drawn in his own notebook. I also liked the way the start of the exhibition captured his youthful enthusiasm and showed you his observations rather than the conclusions. It blended his professional and personal life well and I liked the recreation of his study at Down House.

However probably stars of are the live exhibits Charlie the iguana and the ornate horned frog. I wonder if either of them realise they are in an exhibition!

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