Experience the Impressive Naturalis Museum in Leiden

Naturalis in Leiden is the Dutch national research institute for biodiversity. Their national history museum has a very large collection of more than 40 million objects. During our previous visit a few years ago most of the museum was closed for renovation and we could only see their T-Rex skeleton Trix. This was excavated in the US and an important piece for the renovated Naturalis. The new Naturalis is absolutely impressive. The architecture of the new atrium connecting the lobby, museum shop and the various exhibition rooms is stunning. The stairs from ground floor all the way to the roof on the 9th floor is supposed to resemble a meandering mountain path. Just walking into this atrium and looking up without visiting the museum is already worth your time. The various exhibitions are organised thematically and accessible for all ages. We spent a very nice and educational morning going through all the halls and talking to staff at some special exhibits. In our case we learned a lot about all the various forms of volcanic rock. There is so much to see and read, way too much to absorb during one visit. We will have to come back next time we are in Leiden. After the museum visit we walked into the city centre and went for lunch at De Waag. This historical building has a modern interior and you can come to have lunch, tea or dinner. They have a terrace but if you want to be certain to have a table you can make a reservation for a table inside. I had another go at the kroket with was decent. Only gripe was that it was very busy in town it took some time to get our food. Luckily they were quick to take our order and bring the drinks.