The renovated and restored Natural History Museum (NHM) Los Angeles, in the USA, has introduced its two newest elements as part of a US$135m (£86.7m, 101.6m), 12 year overhaul.

NHM now features the new 3.5 acre Nature Gardens as well as the new glass entrance and gathering place, which features a 63ft (19.2m) fin whale specimen.

Los Angeles based CO Architects collaborated with NHM and engineering firm Cordell on planning the new gardens, bridge and car park as well as remodelling the galleries and the Otis Booth Pavillion.

Over a 12-year period, the museum has seen its Beaux Arts building restored and exhibits built renovated, installed and restored.

The additions are continuing with two final components set to be unveiled before the end of 2013.

A new 14,000sq ft (1,300sq m) permanent exhibition - Becoming Los Angeles opens in July while in December, Travelling the Silk Road: Ancient Pathway to the Modern World will be the first exhibit to feature in the renovated galleries for temporary exhibitions.