Dippy, a diplodocus cast that has for 35 years welcomed visitors to the famous Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London is to be replaced in summer 2017 by a blue whale skeleton.

The museum is currently masterminding how it will move the enormous blue whale skeleton from the mammals gallery, and where it will rehouse Dippy, so he may continue to entertain and educate.

The decision is reflective of a new strategy at the NHM to reinvent the way it displays and disseminates information and resources to engage better with a modern audience and more strongly iterate the relationship between humans and the natural world.

It’s hoped the whale, which will be suspended from the ceiling in the impressive hall, will help communicate the role humans must play in protecting animals and nature. The whale has been part of the museum’s collection since 1891.

"As the largest known animal to have ever lived on Earth, the story of the blue whale reminds us of the scale of our responsibility to the planet," said Sir Michael Dixon, director of the NHM. "This makes it the perfect choice of specimen to welcome and capture the imagination of our visitors, as well as marking a major transformation of the museum.

"As guardians of one of the world’s greatest scientific resources, our purpose is to challenge the way people think about the natural world, and that goal has never been more urgent. Species and ecosystems are being destroyed faster than we can describe them or even understand their significance. The blue whale serves as a poignant reminder that while abundance is no guarantee of survival, through our choices, we can make a real difference. There is hope."

Natural History Museum receives £5m donation

Niall McLaughlin Architects wins Natural History Museum redevelopment contest

Shortlist announced for Natural History Museum works

Duchess of Cambridge becomes patron of Natural History Museum