Down House - Home of Charles Darwin

About Down House - Home of Charles Darwin

From 13th February 2009, visit The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House and experience Darwin's world as never before.

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth and 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, English Heritage is unveiling a new exhibition, Uncovering Origins, at Down House, Darwin's family home for 40 years and the place where he researched, wrote and published his theory on evolution that changed the face of science. See rare and unique collections and understand the progression of Darwin’s ideas and the controversy their publication provoked.

Darwin’s epic voyage around the world is also brought dramatically to life with a full-size replica of his cabin on board HMS Beagle. The extensive gardens at Down House, known as Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’, are also vividly animated with the use of exciting new multimedia tours. Film footage, interviews and animation will help you gain an intimate glimpse into family life at Down House and see the house and grounds through Darwin’s eyes. Stand in the atmospheric study where he wrote On the Origin of Species, his famous work that first scandalised and then revolutionised the Victorian world.

To discover more, visit our new website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/darwin where you can enjoy a virtual tour of the property and even scroll through rare Darwin manuscript material from his Beagle expedition.