Naturalis

Naturalis at a glance

Naturalis is the Netherlands’ national biodiversity research institute and one of its largest natural-history museums. The landmark building near Leiden Central contains almost 17,000 m² of museum space with nine thematic galleries, two attractions, workshop rooms and LiveScience. Its best-known object is the genuine T. rex Trix skeleton in the Dinosaur Era gallery.

Is Naturalis worth visiting?

Yes. For families, dinosaur fans and visitors interested in animals, fossils, evolution and biodiversity, Naturalis is one of Leiden’s strongest full-day attractions. Original objects and interactive interpretation provide several hours of content. Visitors seeking a small, quiet city museum may find the scale and school-holiday crowds less appealing.

What can you see?

Permanent experiences include the Dinosaur Era with T. rex Trix, the Ice Age, Life, Evolution, Seduction and galleries about death, the Earth and biodiversity. LiveScience brings visitors close to researchers and collection managers. Naturalis’ scientific collection now exceeds 43 million objects.

The Forest of Suriname

The temporary Forest of Suriname exhibition runs through 2 May 2027. It explores the richness and threats of the Surinamese forest from the perspectives of plants, animals, Indigenous communities and Maroons. It is included in the regular museum ticket.

Dinosaur update

T. rex Trix remains on display in the Dinosaur Era. The five Triceratops skeletons shown in 2024 and 2025 are currently touring internationally and are not expected back until around 2030. Older information suggesting that the complete herd is still in Leiden is therefore outdated.

Rexperience

Rexperience is an optional T. rex time-travel attraction normally costing €2 in addition to museum admission. The recommended age is eight and older; children under twelve require an accompanying adult. It includes sudden, motion and light effects, is spoken in Dutch, accommodates wheelchairs but not mobility scooters. On 6 August 2026 Naturalis reported that Rexperience was temporarily unavailable, so check its current status before booking.

Tickets and prices

Regular admission is €18 from age four. Children up to age three, Museumkaart holders and valid VriendenLoterij VIP card holders enter free. CJP, student cards and Blijdorp subscriptions cost €13.50. During holidays, reserve an online timed ticket even when admission is free.

What is free?

The entire ground floor is accessible without a museum ticket, including LiveScience, the restaurant and the museum shop. A valid ticket is required for the other galleries.

How much time do you need?

Allow at least three hours. With children, detailed interpretation, LiveScience, lunch and a possible Rexperience visit, four to five hours is more realistic. Add breaks for young children or sensory sensitivity.

Opening hours and closure dates

Naturalis opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00. In 2026 it is closed on 27 April, 30 June, 1 September and 25 December. Check the official website for temporary works and technical outages.

Crowds and planning

School holidays, weekends and rainy days can be very busy. Reserve a time slot and arrive at 10:00 or later in the afternoon. Start with your priority gallery, such as the Dinosaur Era, and use quieter galleries during peak hours.

Accessibility and sensory support

The museum is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to compact mobility scooters, except Rexperience. Free loan wheelchairs, two lifts, handrails, rest points, accessible toilets and seventeen accessible parking spaces are available. Assistance dogs are welcome. A sensory basket with ear defenders, sunglasses, stress balls and fidget toys can be borrowed from the desk without reservation.

Food and drink

The restaurant, café and roof terrace can be visited without a museum ticket during opening hours. Catering follows a largely plant-based, meat- and fish-free approach using seasonal produce where possible. Visitors with coeliac disease or serious allergies should explicitly ask about ingredients, preparation and cross-contact because no complete online guarantee is published.

Getting there and parking

Pedestrians use Darwinweg 2; drivers and cyclists can access the new P+R and bicycle parking from Mendelweg 2. Naturalis is roughly a ten-minute walk from Leiden Central via the LUMC exit. The 24/7 garage has almost 600 spaces, charging points and a 2.10-metre height limit. Parking costs €1.20 per half hour with a €25 daily maximum.

Our strict assessment

Our score is 8.9/10. Naturalis is nationally distinctive and exceptionally strong in content, but family admission costs, expensive day parking, holiday crowds and temporary attraction outages prevent a higher overall score. The separate visitor rating is 4.5/5 from 8,664 ratings. The expected 50/50 Open Now and ranking score is 9.0/10.