The Darwin Centre

Venue Review of The Darwin Centre

Added to the Natural History Museum's broad spectrum of spaces in 2009, the £78m Darwin Centre packs some serious visual punch. In contrast to the museum’s ornate Central Hall and colourful Earth Hall, this space is pared back and fiercely contemporary. The Centre’s most striking feature is a centrepiece 65m-long, eight-storey concrete ‘cocoon’ suspended inside the building that holds a million-strong collection of insects and plants. The tall space works particularly well for receptions with aerial entertainment. There’s also the opportunity to spill out into the tranquil 350-capacity ampitheatre-style garden, offering a secret oasis in the heart of London – especially lovely at sunset.