Get ready to embark on a fascinating adventure through the world of science at the Science Museum! This incredible institution is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that will ignite your curiosity and leave you awestruck. From the earliest technological advancements to the marvels of space exploration, the museum caters to every age and interest. Join us as we delve into the highlights of this captivating museum.
A Playground for Tiny Explorers: The Garden
Let your little ones unleash their inner scientists in The Garden, a sensory paradise designed specifically for children under six. This basement haven is bursting with engaging activities that stimulate their senses. From playful water features to captivating light and sound installations, there’s something to spark their imagination around every corner. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof apron or spare clothes for the water play area, which is often a splash zone of boundless energy!
A Timeline of Innovation: Making the Modern World
Step into the Making the Modern World Gallery on level 0 and witness a breathtaking tapestry of groundbreaking inventions that shaped our world. From the early days of industrialization in the 1750s to the cutting-edge technology of today, this gallery showcases the incredible progress of human ingenuity. Marvel at iconic locomotives, sleek aircraft, and revolutionary automobiles, each a testament to the boundless potential of the human spirit.
Reaching for the Stars: Exploring Space
Prepare for liftoff as you enter the Exploring Space gallery, a celestial haven for space enthusiasts. This level 0 gem features authentic rockets and satellites, bringing the wonders of space exploration right before your eyes. Stand in awe of the full-size replica of the Eagle lunar module, the very craft that carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon in 1969. Get up close and personal with the real Soyuz module that brought astronauts Tim Peake, Yuri Malenchenko, and Tim Kopra back from the International Space Station in 2016.
The Information Revolution: Information Age Gallery
Journey through the Information Age Gallery on level 2 and discover how communication technologies have transformed our lives since the 19th century. From the humble telegraph to the ubiquitous smartphone, this gallery chronicles the evolution of information sharing. Be captivated by iconic exhibits like wireless messages sent from the sinking Titanic, the first BBC radio broadcast, and a Soviet BESM-6 supercomputer.
The Art of Numbers: Mathematics: The Winton Gallery
Prepare to be mesmerized by Mathematics: The Winton Gallery on level 2, a stunning space designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. This captivating gallery unveils the fascinating world of mathematics and its profound impact on every aspect of our daily lives. Discover how numbers weave their way through our world, shaping everything from art and architecture to science and technology.
A Journey Through Medical Marvels: Medicine Galleries
Venture into the Medicine Galleries on level 2 and witness the incredible evolution of medical science. These galleries, opened in 2019, showcase a remarkable collection of medical objects from the museum’s archives and the renowned collection of Sir Henry Wellcome. See the groundbreaking first MRI machine, marvel at a prosthetic arm, and explore the intricacies of robotic surgery tools. Witness the impact of recent advancements, including vials from the COVID-19 mass vaccination campaigns.
Soaring Through Time: Flight Gallery
Children and aviation enthusiasts alike will be captivated by the Flight Gallery on level 3. Take a flight of fancy as you explore a collection of gliders, hot-air balloons, and aircraft, including the De Havilland Gipsy Moth airplane Jason I, flown by Amy Johnson to Australia in 1930. Experience the thrill of flight with a selection of flight simulators (additional charge), including a 3D flight with the Red Arrows, a low-level mission aboard a Typhoon fighter jet, and a virtual-reality experience with astronaut Tim Peake on Space Descent.
Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery: Hands-on Science for All Ages
Get ready for a whirlwind of scientific discovery in Wonderlab: The Equinor Gallery on level 3. This vibrant space is packed with hands-on exhibits designed to make science fun and engaging for all ages. Kids will love recreating sound waves, observing Earth’s orbit around the sun, testing paper plane designs, experimenting with pulley systems, and flexing their engineering skills by building bridges with curved blocks. Be sure to catch the daily live science demonstrations, which sometimes include exciting explosions! Knowledgeable “Explainers” are always on hand to answer questions and guide you through this fascinating gallery.
Planning Your Visit
General admission to the Science Museum is free but must be booked online in advance. If you plan to visit a specific gallery, check if advance booking is required. Be aware that some exhibits, such as The Garden, have time restrictions, with slots lasting only 20 minutes.
Additional charges apply for the IMAX, virtual reality experiences, flight simulators, Wonderlab, and special events.
The Science Museum provides a variety of amenities for your comfort. There’s a cafe and snack bar within the museum, as well as accessible lifts and toilets throughout. Wheelchairs are also available for those who need them.
The Science Museum offers a captivating journey through the world of science, sparking curiosity and wonder in visitors of all ages. From interactive displays that engage all senses to awe-inspiring exhibits showcasing technological marvels, this museum is a must-visit for anyone seeking an enriching and unforgettable experience.
