Booth Museum of Natural History to Temporarily Close for Essential Works

From Sunday 20 April 2025, the museum will be closed to the public as part of an important new initiative to improve its collections, refresh its visitor experience, and upgrade essential infrastructure.

Since Brighton & Hove Museums became a charitable trust in 2020, each site has been carefully reviewed to ensure a vibrant future. Following successful upgrades at Hove Museum of Creativity and ongoing work at Preston Manor, which reopens this spring, the trust is now turning its attention to Booth Museum.

Founded in 1874 by naturalist Edward Thomas Booth, the Booth Museum began as a collection of over 300 dioramas showcasing British birds in their natural habitats. Now a Museum of Natural History, it houses over 525,000 specimens, including insects, minerals, fossils, and even dinosaur bones. Blending Victorian taxidermy with modern conservation efforts, the museum offers exhibitions and activities to inspire a love for the natural world.

During the closure, teams will tackle collection management challenges, improve storage conditions, and enhance building systems like alarms and fire safety. The Booth houses over 40% of Brighton & Hove Museums’ collections, but with many stored in now outdated cabinets and packaging, vital improvements need to be made to ensure the collections are protected for future generations.

The project will allow for a full assessment, better storage solutions, and even conservation work on the iconic dioramas, which are of national interest and importance. The museum is also preparing to welcome an exciting new upcoming natural history collection bequest, further enriching its displays.

While the doors will be closed for regular visits, the Booth will open for monthly special event days which will offer behind-the-scenes access, letting visitors explore previously unseen collections and discover the fascinating work happening inside. Pre-booked school visits will continue as much as possible, but the trust will also explore other ways of connecting with schools, keeping the museum’s educational mission alive.

Brighton & Hove Museums relies on a mix of funding, generating £8m annually to maintain its five sites. With only 9% funding from the Arts Council and 20% funding from Brighton & Hove City Council, the majority comes from ticket sales, donations, and commercial activities. The trust is actively pursuing additional heritage funding to further support the Booth’s redevelopment.

Brighton & Hove Museums is asking those that love the Booth to help them bring it back better than ever by supporting the charity through becoming a member, attending special events, donating, or volunteering.

In the meantime, families can continue to enjoy the Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Preston Manor & Gardens, and Hove Museum of Creativity.