Naturalis

Naturalis at a glance

Naturalis is Leiden’s largest and most complete family museum. Its modern building offers almost 17,000 m² of exhibition space across nine themed galleries covering dinosaurs, evolution, the ice age, the forces of the earth and biodiversity. T. rex Trix is the best-known object, but the museum goes far beyond dinosaurs.

What can you see and do?

The permanent route combines real objects, large skeletons, films, sound and interactive elements in highly designed galleries. Dinotijd focuses on Trix and other prehistoric reptiles, while Earth, Ice Age, Evolution, Life and the Forest of Suriname add considerable variety. On the freely accessible ground floor, LiveScience lets visitors see researchers and collection managers at work.

T. rex Trix and the Rexperience

Trix is deservedly the highlight, but this is not a traditional museum made up solely of quiet display cases. The presentation is large-scale and can be sensory-intensive. For an extra €2, visitors can book the Rexperience, a short time-travel attraction set in the age of T. rex. It is intended for ages 8 and over and requires its own start time.

Is Naturalis good for children?

Yes. For primary-school children and younger teenagers, it is one of Leiden’s best attractions. There is a great deal to see and do, alongside substantial information. Toddlers may enjoy the animals and huge spaces, although not every gallery will hold their attention for long. Build in breaks and do not feel obliged to complete every room.

Is it worthwhile without children?

Definitely. The collection, architecture and scientific context are strong enough for an adults-only visit. Adults who prefer quiet, text-led museums should expect school groups, sound and interactive displays. For a calmer experience, arrive early on a weekday outside school holidays.

How long do you need?

Allow at least three hours. With children, lunch, LiveScience and the Rexperience, a visit can easily take four or five hours. Combining Naturalis with two other major Leiden museums on the same day is unrealistic. A walk via Morspoort into the historic centre works well afterwards.

Tickets and prices

At the time of checking, standard admission is €18 for everyone aged 4 and over. Children aged 0–3 and holders of a Museumkaart or VriendenLoterij VIP-KAART enter free. CJP, student cards and Blijdorp memberships qualify for a €13.50 rate. The Rexperience costs €2 extra. Charging the full standard price from age 4 makes Naturalis relatively expensive for a family without discount cards.

Opening hours and crowds

The museum is normally open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with a few closure days each year. It can become very busy during school holidays. Book a timed ticket in advance during these periods, including when using a Museumkaart or free ticket.

Getting there and parking

Naturalis is roughly a ten-minute walk from Leiden Central using the LUMC-side exit. The main entrance is at Darwinweg 2. The second entrance, cycle parking and P+R Naturalis are at Mendelweg 2. Parking costs €1.20 per 30 minutes up to €25 per day, and the garage height limit is 2.10 metres. Construction work around Naturalis may temporarily affect driving routes.

Accessibility and facilities

Naturalis is wheelchair-friendly and accessible to compact mobility scooters; only the Rexperience cannot accommodate mobility scooters. Facilities include lifts, resting points, free loan wheelchairs, accessible toilets and designated parking spaces. A sensory-support basket with items such as ear defenders and fidget tools is available from the desk. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Our honest verdict

For its collection, presentation and family appeal, Naturalis ranks among the Netherlands’ best museums. The trade-off is that a full visit requires considerable time and energy and is fairly expensive without a discount card. Visitors who are sensitive to crowds and sensory input should choose a quiet morning outside holidays. With that preparation, Naturalis works best as the main attraction of the day rather than a quick stop.