More than 80 million specimens wait to be uncovered, including the 26-metre cast skeleton of Dippy the Diplodocus in the grand central hall. The museum's four collection zones contain exhibits covering the Earth's natural history, right from its infant geology as a ball of magma to its most recent denizens (including us mammals). Along with all the rocks, critters and fossils, there are four gift shops -- including the ever popular Dino Shop -- and four food and drink spaces. The Romanesque-style building was designed by the English architect Alfred Waterhouse, and opened its doors in 1881.