The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill is set for a £5.7 million renovation.
The money, provided through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will be used to revamp the Natural History Gallery, famously home to the Horniman walrus.
The fund will also help transform the disused boating pond into a play area, and create a Winter Garden in the under-used South Downs area.
Nick Merriman, Chief Executive and Director of Content at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, said: “We want to thank the Heritage Fund for giving our Nature + Love project their approval.
“Without their support it would not be possible to bring our plans to reality. Now, thanks to the Heritage Fund, we can look forward to creating three new and exciting destinations for our visitors, and to fostering the next generation’s love and care for the natural world.”
The transformation is part of the Horniman’s Nature + Love programme, which aims to make the award-winning museum more inclusive, accessible and environmentally sustainable.
The Natural History Gallery, built in 1901, will be redesigned to explore humanity’s impact on the planet.
The Grade II listed building will also be upgraded to be more accessible and an Action Zone focussed on local wildlife will be established adjacent to the gallery.
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Elsewhere, the boating pond will become a Nature Explorers Adventure Zone – a natural play area that encourages children to engage with nature. The Nature Trail will also get step-free access for the first time.
In the Sustainable Gardening Zone, the South Downs area of the Gardens will become a Winter Garden.
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re thrilled that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we have been able to continue to support the Horniman with this once-in-a-generation project.
“The space will be transformed to inspire the next generation to engage and immerse themselves in learning about natural heritage and our climate.
“Heritage is a brilliant way to bring people together and projects like these are integral to connect more people with the nature and wildlife around them.”