The Science Museum

The Science Museum would not have come into existence were it not for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park's Crystal Palace. The museum was founded in 1857 with objects shown at that famous exhibition.

Originally part of the South Kensington Museum, the Science Museum (or the Museum of Patents as it was then known) split off to form its own institution in 1858, in 1885 the museum was renamed the Science Museum. During the early part of the 20th century the Science Museum began encouraging ordinary folk to visit rather than science and technology specialists; in the 1930's the Children's Gallery was opened and ever since the museum has been a favourite of school children.

Galleries at the museum include the following:

The Energy Hall which showcases how steam has been the driving force behind Britain's trade and industry using working models and full-size engines.

Making the Modern World displays a series of objects that have marked turning points in the technological and scientific worlds. These objects include George Stephenson's Rocket Locomotive, and Watson's DNA model.

Exploring Space explores the history of the rocket with displays of real rockets and uses projections to educate on satellites and space debris.

Other notable galleries include those on the Weather, Shipping, Medical History, Psychology, Computing and Agriculture.

Visitors can also enjoy daily dramatic performances, workshops, guides and science shows the Science Museum houses an IMAX 3D cinema, however, charges for screenings do apply.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions the Science Museum hosts special exhibitions, you can find out more about these in our Exhibitions and Family sections.

The Science museum is open every day of the year from 10am to 8pm excepting Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Find out more about the Science Museum.

How to get there

The closest underground station to the Science Museum is at South Kensington. If travelling by bus the 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1 stop outside South Kensington Underground Station, from where it is a five minute walk north to the Museum's Main Entrance