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Becoming human

About five to seven million years ago, our ancient ancestors started an evolutionary journey that eventually led to us - modern humans.

Image gallery

Hominid Skulls

Hominid Skulls

Hominid Skulls

Where do we fit in?

Humans have many unique characteristics but we also share a number of similarities with other animals.

Analysing the evidence

Scientists can recover a lot of information about our ancestors from fossils, using modern technology and making comparisons with living animals.

Human movement around the world

Our earliest ancestors evolved in Africa more than five million years ago. In the last two million years they began to move to other parts of the world.

Writing the human story

Uncover the story behind the story - the scientific and historical framework, the brilliance of individuals, the progress of discovery and the impact of technology.

Are we still evolving?

Identifying the ways in which we may evolve requires an understanding of past changes and also our unique ability to affect the course of our own evolution.

Meet the family

Our family tree extends back for five to seven million years and includes many ancestors representing different species from our evolutionary past.

what's on

Serapeum sphinx
Egyptian Treasures: art of the pharaohs

13 Sep 09 – 06 Dec 09

Discover the significance of art in ancient Egypt through the eyes of Ramose, a young apprentice learning ancient secrets from a master craftsman. Explore over 250 stunning artefacts from exquisitely decorated coffins, hieroglyphs, mummies, jewellery, bowls and much more. Some objects are on display as a world first!

Level G, Special Exhibition Space

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