What to see at the Shenzhen Natural History Museum, from dinosaur fossils to meteorites

Southern China will soon welcome its first large-scale natural history museum with the public opening of the Shenzhen Natural History Museum on July 28. This significant cultural institution, spearheaded by the Shenzhen government, represents a substantial investment of 3.5 billion yuan (approximately US$517 million), excluding the cost of artifact acquisition.

Located in the Pingshan district, the museum is a key component of Shenzhen's ambitious "Ten Cultural Facilities of the New Era" project. Spanning a 42,000-square-meter site with a total floor area of 105,300 square meters, the museum's design is a striking example of international architectural collaboration. A consortium comprising Denmark's 3XN, Canada-based B+H Architects, and China's Zhubo Design, selected through a global competition, brought the vision to life.

The architectural design, inspired by the natural form of a river delta, features a fluid, curvilinear structure. This innovative design incorporates a walkable green rooftop park, providing a unique public space. Inside, the museum houses permanent and temporary exhibition galleries designed to showcase natural history, alongside vital research laboratories. It also boasts a 1,100-seat nature theatre and three cinemas, offering diverse educational and entertainment experiences for visitors.