Case study: Natural History Museum

Clarson Goff as part of NEXUS were asked to assist with Phase 2 of the construction of the Natural History Museum’s Darwin Centre. Space could only be created for the new construction by demolishing the existing Entomology Department building annexed to the Grade 1 listed section of the museum.

The project involved the relocation of 28,000,000 very delicate specimens (some over 200 years old) that were housed in over 100,000 glass lidded and hermetically sealed drawers. The Entomology Library was also relocated, including plant presses and rare books dating back to Darwin's first voyage.

Following the intensive planning period Clarson Goff managed, co-ordinated and completed the relocation of the collections to a storage facility in south London.

We liaised closely with the Museum security to plan and manage the site access without disrupting public access to any exhibits.

In addition to the movement of the specimen collections and libraries, Clarson Goff also co-ordinated the relocation of 100 staff including two laboratory areas and all the associated specialist equipment.