Central Hall Lates © NHM

On the last Friday of every month but December, the Natural History Museum keeps its doors open until 10.30 p.m. for an evening of food, drink, entertainment and the opportunity to visit the Museum’s special exhibitions and selected galleries after hours, including the popular Dinosaur gallery and Whale Hall.

The grand Central Hall is transformed into a concert venue, hosting a variety of up-and-coming live music acts performing 15-minute sets throughout the night. As well as a pop-up restaurant and bar open to the public, the event also features a private cocktail bar open to MasterCard holders only, with exclusive cocktails and the chance to meet Museum scientists and get up close to some of the Museum’s archive exhibits.

One of the best parts of the night is the speed-sketching contests run by the Museum’s very own comic ‘Crazy Artistes’ (think fake French accents and bushy moustaches), giving visitors (talented and untalented alike) the opportunity to sketch some of the Museum’s exhibits for prizes in a fun and friendly environment.

Lates at the Natural History Museum makes for a unique night out and is the perfect way beat the daytime queues for popular galleries.