The Whole of Creation The Natural History Museum in South
Kensington opened its doors to the public for the first time on 18 April 1881. Its founder, Sir
Richard Owen , thought that it should display and make evident the divine rationality of creation. The architect Alfred
Waterhouse gave that ideal expression in stone. by creating an imposing Romanesque cathedral to house the collections of ' the whole of creation '. In 1980 the Natural
History Museum won the Museum of the Year
Award for its up-to-date approach to exhibitions, employing the latest in visual and mechanical aids. In its centenary year, the Museum finds itself at the centre of a controversy over the plans to demolish several of Waterhouse's original galleries and replace them with a new exhibition space.
Paul Vaughan visits
Waterhouse's masterpiece with the architectural historian.
Mark Girourard , and discusses the changing role of the Museum with David Attenborough ,
Lynn Barber. Dr Roger Miles and Anthony Smith.
Producer BRIAN BARFIELD