The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Southeast London is currently undergoing renovations, causing the temporary closure of one of its most famous residents: a giant taxidermy walrus that has been on display for over a century.
The walrus, which has been a prominent fixture in the Natural History Gallery for the past 120 years, is being temporarily removed as the museum redevelops the space with a focus on environmental sustainability and combating the climate emergency. The gallery is set to reopen in 2026, with the walrus returning to its original spot in the middle of the room atop a fake iceberg.
Louis Buckley, a senior curator at the museum, stated that the walrus will play a significant role in the renovated gallery, highlighting themes such as the British Empire’s relationship with its colonies and Canada, as well as exploring climate change and humanity’s connection to nature.
Visitors to the museum expressed their fondness for the walrus, with many making a special trip to bid farewell to the beloved creature. Some visitors were surprised by the walrus’s size, with one describing it as “like a horse” and another noting that it was “overwhelming.”
Despite the temporary closure of the gallery, visitors expressed their sadness at the walrus’s absence, citing it as a family favorite and a symbol of Southeast London. Many shared memories of visiting the walrus as children and expressed a sense of loss at its temporary departure.
As the museum works to revamp the gallery and provide more context about the walrus and its origins, visitors eagerly await the day when they can once again marvel at the iconic taxidermy specimen that has captured the hearts of many in Southeast London.
