The Discovery Room
The Linnean Society of London is eager to centre itself as an inclusive forum for teaching, learning and dialogue about the natural world. We want to support teachers to nurture curiosity in the natural world through opportunities which are nature-based, student led, and interdisciplinary.
One way in which we will achieve this is by offering use of the Discovery Room at a minimal rate to groups for meetings, training and other small events which support teachers.
The Discovery Room is not available for hire for other purposes.
Room specifications
The Discovery Room is 4x3m and contains a 75” computer touch-screen and whiteboard wall.
The tables and chairs in the Room are completely manoeuvrable, making the space dynamic. A standard conference set-up, with the four tables put together, allows 8 people to sit around with space to work, or 12 around all the edges. Other options are four separate tables of four, so 16 in total, or 16 chairs in lecture style. We recommend a maximum of 8 people if any sort of work is being produced.
Food is not permitted into the Discovery Room as it is also home to special historic collections. Drinks are acceptable if visitors are seated or if drinks are covered with secure lids.
If you would like to bring natural objects, living or inanimate, into the Room, this should be discussed with a staff member prior to the event. We may ask that objects are frozen in our Collections Freezer for an appropriate amount of time (generally two weeks). Some items are forbidden due to potential hidden pests.
Accessibility
The Discovery Room is on the lower ground floor and can only be accessed via a lift or by descending stairs.
A lift provides step-free access to the lower ground, ground, first, and second floors. Access to the lift requires manual door opening.
A unisex accessible toilet is on the lower ground floor, with step free access via the lift. It does not require a RADAR key. Other toilet facilities are available on multiple levels.
Our historic building features six stone steps leading up to our entrance. We have a portable ramp that staff will be very happy to place to assist entry and exit from the building when a need is identified.
Our location inside a 19th century listed building presents several challenges as regards physical accessibility some of which are summarised here. We recognise that our visitors have different needs, and our staff are here to support you. If there are adjustments we can make ahead of your visit—or you have any questions about access—please do not hesitate to get in touch.
How to apply
The Discovery Room is in use for workshops, classes, training and meetings throughout the year, and so we can only hire out the room to a limited number of external groups. We will review these hiring agreements every year to provide different groups with support.
To apply, please send a simple email learning@linnean.org with your name and information about potential dates and times, who would benefit and what activities might be included.