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Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Family attractions

Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Trix the T. rex, and one of the largest natural history collections in the world.

Editors' pickLeiden2.5h
Last updated June 12, 2026

A rebuilt natural history museum near Leiden Centraal, holding 42 million specimens and a near-complete Tyrannosaurus.

Trix is one of only a handful of substantially complete Tyrannosaurus skeletons anywhere and she is mounted in a hall built around her, which is the sort of thing that keeps a nine-year-old still for an hour. The rest of the building was rebuilt in 2019 and it shows: the galleries move quickly, the labels are short, and the death-and-taxonomy rooms are handled without either squeamishness or gore. It is open every day, which in this country is worth noting.

Highlights

  • Trix the Tyrannosaurus
  • Rebuilt and reopened in 2019
  • Open seven days a week

Insider tips

  • It shuts on only four days in the year, so it is the reliable wet-weather option in Leiden.
  • Ten minutes on foot from Leiden Centraal, in the opposite direction to the old town.

FAQ

Do I need to book Naturalis Biodiversity Center ahead?
For weekends, holidays and spring travel, yes. The Netherlands is easy to navigate, but high-demand tickets and good time slots sell out first.
Is this a good first-time visitor choice?
Yes, if it matches your route. We prioritize listings that solve a real planning problem, have clear visitor logistics and can be booked or verified before arrival.

Where you'll find it

Leiden, Netherlands

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