Please help us create a Horniman for your children and future generations to love by donating to our 125th Anniversary Appeal.
Our 125th anniversary project, Nature + Love, will create an inspiring new display of the Natural History Gallery and two exciting outdoor destinations to visit in the Gardens. It will help us become more inclusive and accessible, giving future generations the opportunity to learn about, celebrate and love the natural world.
The Natural History Gallery will re-open in 2026, marking 125 years since we first opened our doors in 1901.
Please join us in celebrating the Horniman’s 125th Anniversary by donating to our transformational Nature + Love project.
In doing so you will help the Horniman achieve some incredible things:
- An improved Horniman Museum and Gardens with new attractions for families to enjoy and learn about nature
- New learning programmes that unlock the potential of our fabulous natural history collection for the schoolchildren of London and the South East
- Protection of the fabric of the Horniman building, ensuring the collections are safe and cared for well into the future
The Natural History Gallery opened as part of the original Horniman Museum in 1901. The building and displays have changed little since then and some displays and interpretation are now very out of date. We want to address issues of climate change and threats to biodiversity and need to ensure the best possible conditions for our collections by refurbishing and re-displaying the Gallery.
The much-loved character of the Gallery will remain – including the walrus in pride of place! Beautifully curated displays will explore human relationships with the natural world and big ideas for how we can all positively shape its future.
Next door to the Gallery will be a fun, interactive space for children to explore local wildlife, including our bee display.
Outside, two new destinations in the Gardens will open in summer 2025 and will encourage visitors to explore outdoors. On the site of the old Boating Pond we will create an exciting nature-themed play area for families to have fun together, along with a second café. Also in this area of the Gardens we will introduce a gate and ramp leading to the historic Nature Trail, where there will be improved information and accessibility.
At the top of the site, a new Gardens nursery will feature a workshop space for visitors to engage with sustainable gardening. Nearby, a community garden will be run with local groups, and in the re-landscaped South Downs there will be shallower paths and dramatic planting to provide year-round interest.
Every donation to our 125th Anniversary Appeal has a huge impact on the future of the Horniman. Thank you to all of our donors for their generous contributions.
Please join us in celebrating the Horniman’s 125th birthday and donate to deliver our transformational project.
As a thank you for your donation, all donors pledging £125+ will receive the following benefits:
- An exclusive 125th Anniversary Appeal pin badge to wear with pride
- Your name listed on the 125th Anniversary Appeal page of our website
- Quarterly newsletter updates to keep you informed of progress
- An invitation to a curator-led tour to learn more once the new Gallery is open
£5,000 Donation – become one of our Seedfunders
Seedfunders are visionary donors who are willing to give £5,000*. Mighty oaks come from tiny acorns, and by planting a small seed now, you will ensure that the Horniman will grow into a vibrant living place for you, your children and grandchildren.
In addition to the core benefits above, as a special thank you we will:
- List your name on a Seedfunder 125th Anniversary Appeal donor board in the Horniman Museum and Gardens and on our website
- Send you a copy of Mr Horniman’s Walrus – signed by the author Clare Paterson and our Chair of Trustees
- Send you invitations for two to join both a ‘hard hat tour’ to see behind the scenes as work progresses, and to our Gala opening of the Gallery in 2026
*Please contact us if you would like to make your gift by installments.
£2,000 Donation
A donation of £2,000 could help us ensure the roof and fabric of the building are secure for the next 125 years.
As a special thank you we will list your name on a 125th Anniversary Appeal donor board in the Horniman Museum and Gardens and on our website. You will also receive invitations for two to join both a ‘hard hat tour’ to see behind the scenes as work progresses, and to our Gala opening of the Gallery in 2026.
£1,000 Donation
A donation of £1,000 could help towards the planting and maintenance of winter flowering plants, shrubs and bulbs in our new sustainable gardening zone.
We will list your name on a 125th Anniversary Appeal donor board in the Horniman Museum and Gardens and on our website. You will also receive invitations for two to join both a ‘hard hat tour’ to see behind the scenes as work progresses, and to our Gala opening of the Gallery in 2026.
£500 Donation
A donation of £500 could help pay for our ongoing pest control measures to stop moths nibbling the walrus and our other historic specimens.
You will receive an invitation for two to our Gala opening of the Gallery in 2026.
£250 Donation
A donation of £250 could help maintain the live bee display which fascinates so many visitors and helps them to learn about the importance of pollinators.
£125 Donation
A donation of £125 could help provide tools and equipment for the volunteers who will help us maintain the Nature Trail.
Any monies raised that exceed our Appeal target will ensure the care of the Gallery and Gardens over future years.