London's Natural History Museum has just unveiled a research and storage center to honor the father of evolutionary theory Charles Darwin. The opening of the research facility comes two-hundred years after the birth of the British naturalist, and aims to spark an interest in science from a new generation.
The new building is said to have cost 78-million British pounds. The eight-storey structure was designed to look like a giant "cocoon", which is appropriate since it houses 17-million insect specimens and three-million plants.
Dr. Micheal Dickson, director if Natural History Museum, said, "It's incredibly important. There are probably only 2 or 3 other institutions on a global scale that have collections that come even close to ours. But this collection is a truly important international resource. It's a national asset, but it's of international significance."
The public will be able to take "cocoon tours" where they can see scientists conducting research in new laboratories, and they can take part in hands-on activities.
A collage of interactive screens called the Climate Change Wall is also intended to educate the public about global warming.
Dickson said he hoped the new center would become a London landmark of similar status to the museum's original building, designed by Sir Alfred Waterhouse in the late 1800's.
Dr. Micheal Dickson, director if Natural History Museum, said, "This is an incredibly important statement about the museum's future. The Victorians were very bold in building the original Waterhouse building in 1881, and we think this is an equally bold statement about this museum's future in the early 21st century."
The Darwin Centre opens on September 15. Admission is free.
