King's hidden gem: The Museum of Life Sciences

Adjacent to the Gordon Museum, the Museum houses an impressive collection of botanical, pharmaceutical, and zoological specimens, some dating back to the early 19th century. However, as Dr Gillian Sales, the Museum’s curator, emphasises, it is much more than a historical archive; it is an active, dynamic space that bridges the gap between science, education and the public.

A Space for collaboration

Dr Sales, who has been with the Museum since its inception as its curator, leads a small but dedicated team of volunteers. When not in use for Museum activities, the space is open for use by King’s staff and students, as well as external academic organisations, for a range of activities—including practical classes, seminars, research and exhibitions. Visits by groups of members of staff or outside organisations are also welcome by appointment.

The Museum’s collection includes one of the world’s rare specimens: the articulated skeleton of the extinct marsupial wolf, Thylacinus. This is possibly one of only 25 in existence and is part of the International Thylacine Database. It also features an extensive 19th-century dental teaching collection, highlighting King’s historical contributions to the field.

A Place for education and innovation

Beyond its historical significance, the Museum plays a key role in education. It supports learning through interactive workshops for students of all levels, from primary schools to school teachers. Recently, secondary students have participated in hands-on workshops exploring topics like evolution, insects and pollination, and animal locomotion—experiences led by Dr Sales and her team.

“It’s rewarding to see how a specimen can spark curiosity and ignite a passion for science in students,” Dr Sales shares. “These workshops allow us to engage with young people in meaningful ways and to introduce them to King’s College. It is exciting to see how they connect with the Museum’s collections.”

The Museum’s educational initiatives extend to King’s students and staff as well, offering opportunities to use the space for practicals, tutorials, and research projects. Recent art workshops for the children of King’s staff using Museum specimens were well received. With an ever-growing collection and a commitment to hands-on learning, the Museum remains a valuable resource for fostering curiosity and academic inquiry.

The Museum’s influence extends beyond King’s. Open to the public during select events like the annual Open Day as well as Open House London Festival, it draws hundreds of visitors eager to explore its architecture and its collections. In addition, initiatives such as creative writing workshops, musical evenings and drop-in drawing workshops provide a unique intersection between art and science, engaging visitors, students and staff in new ways.

Looking to the future

As the Museum continues to grow, Dr Sales and her team are focused on expanding outreach programs and increasing visibility within the College and beyond. Future plans include more interactive workshops, new exhibitions and further collaborations with researchers, educators, and the wider public.

One of the long-term goals is to host the Museum’s catalogue online, making its collection more accessible to researchers and students. Dr Sales was also recently featured in Hidden King’s, a video series that highlights lesser-known yet vital aspects of King’s, further showcasing the unique offerings.

To book the space, contact the curator, Dr Gillian Sales (gillian.sales@kcl.ac.uk); to learn more about forthcoming events and workshops, visit the Museum’s website.