The Natural History Museum was recently in the news for receiving a £5m donation, the biggest single donation in its history. The donation was made by London-based Sir Michael and Lady Hintze.

The central hall, home to Dippy the Diplodocus, is to be renamed Hintze Hall as a sign of gratitude to the philanthropist donators. The museum has said that the donation will be used in part to redevelop the museum’s Cromwell Road entrance by where the hall is situated.

Sir Michael, the founder and CEO of asset management firm, CQS, says, "Our gift recognises the museum's great value as a cultural and scientific institution, enjoyed by millions including ourselves. We feel privileged to be able to make a contribution towards securing this centre of scientific knowledge and research for present and future generations."

The donation was made through the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation and will help compensate for lack of public funding. The Natural History Museum will be one of many London institutions to bear the name of a sponsor following cuts to cultural organisations.

Culture secretary Sajid Javid says that, "Sir Michael has a long and most distinguished record of philanthropy, supporting culture and the arts alongside many other good causes. This donation, however, is extraordinary not simply in terms of its scale, but also as a truly magnificent example of philanthropic investment. It will have a real and lasting impact on the Natural History Museum."

Among those to have receive donations from the Hintze Family Charitable Foundation are the Old Vic Theatre and two major galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum.