At the Natural History Museum, one of London’s most iconic and heavily visited cultural sites, Crowdguard delivered a proportionate Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) solution to protect a busy courtyard entrance, balancing security, accessibility, and architectural sensitivity in a complex heritage environment.
As a globally recognised landmark attracting millions of visitors each year, the Natural History Museum presents a unique risk profile. High footfall, open public access, and its prominence as a cultural destination all increase exposure to vehicle-related risks, including VAW attacks. At the same time, any protective measures must be carefully considered to preserve the openness, character, and public experience that make the site so important.
Key facts:
- Location: Natural History Museum, London
- Challenge: Protect a busy pedestrian entrance from vehicle risk without impacting the historic environment or operational access
- Solution: Discreet, semi-permanent HVM using shallow-mount, removable bollards to balance protection, access, and aesthetics
- Product Used: Unafor Core™
The Challenge
The museum experiences extremely high visitor numbers, particularly during peak periods, creating a need to reduce the risk of vehicle incursion at a key pedestrian entrance.
Any solution needed to be carefully considered. The site’s historic setting, architectural constraints, and cultural significance meant that traditional approaches were not appropriate. Protection had to be effective yet discreet, while still allowing authorised vehicle access for day-to-day operations and special events.
The Solution
Following a risk-led assessment aligned with national guidance, Crowdguard specified the Unafor Core™ system, a semi-permanent, shallow-mount HVM solution designed to provide protection without compromising the character of the space. This resulted in a practical, accessible solution that prioritises visitor safety while remaining visually appropriate to the historic setting.
The system delivers tested, certified vehicle mitigation with minimal ground impact, making it well suited to this heritage location. Removable bollards allow the museum team to maintain operational flexibility, enabling controlled access for deliveries and events while ensuring protection remains in place when required.
“Great to work with Crowdguard as always. This project is a strong example of how Unafor Core can deliver certified protection while integrating naturally into complex, design-led environments like the Natural History Museum.”
To complement the setting, the installation incorporated heritage-style finishes and bespoke detailing, ensuring the solution integrates naturally into the surrounding architecture while maintaining a robust and effective level of protection.
This project represents a significant, high-profile installation, delivered through Crowdguard’s Plan · Provide · Protect approach and in close collaboration with Unafor, demonstrating true protection in partnership.
By combining risk-led planning, carefully selected certified solutions, and professional deployment, the scheme supports the Natural History Museum in protecting visitors and staff while respecting its historic character.
For more information on our work with semi-permanent HVM measures, get in touch with info@crowdguard.co.uk.