Timeline of Life, as we know it

Phase 1 – 2018

Out of the Deep

In 2018, two large-scale permanent showcases were built to house our plesiosaur skeletons. These extinct marine reptiles swam in the warm seas of the Jurassic Period, 165 million years ago, in the area that is now Britain and form part of the south aisle's theme of Past ecosystems of Oxfordshire (see Phase 4).

Phase 2 – 2020

Biodiversity, Evolution and Earth

In 2020, ten new showcases were installed in the main court, constructed to complement the Out of the Deep cases. To retain the historical character of the Museum building, the new cases match the size, form and footprint of the outdated display cabinets they replaced.

These showcases house the first 20 displays under the Life, as we know it conceptual scheme, each containing two displays - one on each side. Their displays use the Museum's collections to illustrate our understanding of the dynamic, interconnected geological and life processes that give rise to rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.

The centre court displays focus on the theme of biodiversity; the sides facing the north and south narrow galleries focus on How evolution works and How the Earth works.

Phase 3 – 2024

Present-day ecosystems and Evolution

In 2024, a further 16 displays were installed which together completed three thematic galleries: Biodiversity; How evolution works; and Present-day ecosystems. A series of stylised dioramas present ecosystems from six different environments, each looking at a critical process in the interactions between organisms and environment.

These thematic approaches allow for exciting reinterpretations of the Museum's collections, encouraging visitors to care about, engage with, and respond to the critical topics affecting the natural world.

Phase 4 - Spring 2026

Past ecosystems and Earth

Featuring reconstructions of past ecosystems, from the Carboniferous to the Pleistocene, the latest exhibits offer visitors a brand new presentation of the historically important Oxfordshire dinosaurs, including Megalosaurus, the first dinosaur ever to be scientifically described. Alongside these new displays, visitors can also enjoy revamped touchable specimens and a digital interactive 'pod' – the Prehistoric Diver – that recreates Cambrian and Jurassic ocean environments. 

This final phase of the redisplay project was generously supported by funding from Biffa Award - a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to communities and environmental projects across England and Northern Ireland as part of the Government's Landfill Communities Fund. Earlier phases were supported by FCC Communities Foundation.