100 new photographs at the Natural History Museum, picked from a record 65,403 entries. Dates, ticket prices and the cheapest days to go.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026: winners on 13 October, exhibition from 16 October
This year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners are announced on Tuesday 13 October at the Natural History Museum, and you can watch the ceremony live on the museum’s YouTube channel. The exhibition opens to the public three days later, on Friday 16 October, and runs until 11 July 2027.
A record year
The competition had 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories, the most it has ever received. The exhibition shows the 100 images the jury picked.
Ticket prices
The price depends on the day. Off-peak is Tuesday to Thursday in term time. Standard is Friday to Monday in term time and weekdays in the school holidays. Peak is weekends in the school holidays.
- Adults: £17 off-peak, £19 standard, £21 peak
- Children aged 4 to 17: £8.50, £9.50, £10.50
- Under 4s: free
- Students and jobseekers: £13.60, £15.20, £16.80
- Art Fund members: half the adult price
- Museum members: free, no booking needed
When to go
The cheapest adult ticket is £17, on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in term time. Most London schools are off from 26 to 30 October, so the weekends either side of half-term are peak.
Relaxed viewings run from 10am to 11am on the first Saturday and first Wednesday of each month. The museum is open every day from 10am to 5.50pm, and the rest of it is free to walk into. South Kensington is the nearest station.
Sources
- Natural History Museum: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
- Natural History Museum press release: sneak peek from a record-breaking year
- South Ken Culture Quarter: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Last checked: 10 October 2026. Prices can change, so check the museum’s page when you book. Photo: Daniel Lu / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
