Science Museum










Where else can you find life-changing objects from Stephenson’s Rocket to the Apollo 10 command module, visit award winning exhibitions, take in a science show, catch an immersive 3D movie, enjoy the thrills of a special effects simulator, introduce children to science with fun, hands-on interactives and encounter the past, present and future of science and technology in four floors of galleries? At the Science Museum you can find all this and more!
Venue Type:
Museum, Science centre
The Science Museum has over 300,000 objects in its care, with particular strengths in the history of western science, technology and medicine since 1700.
It has been uniquely placed to acquire objects recording the Industrial Revolution, and now holds unrivalled collections in this area. Medical artifacts from all periods and cultures also form an important part of its holdings.
Items from this collection
Collection details
World Cultures, Toys and Hobbies, Social History, Science and Technology, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Maritime, Land Transport, Inland Waterways, Industry, Fine Art, Film and Media, Design, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Aviation, Archives, Agriculture, Weapons and War
Key artists and exhibits
- Launchpad
- atmosphere
- Who Am I
- Apollo 10
- Babbage
- Difference engine
- Fly Zone
- IMAX
- Lates

James Watt and our World
- 1 November 2014 — 1 November 2022 *on now
Explore the legendary attic workshop of engineer James Watt, preserved as it was when he died in 1819. The workshop is an astonishing time-capsule containing its original furniture, windows, doors and fireplace, and 8,430 fascinating objects left as they were in Watt’s lifetime.
See some of Watt’s remarkable inventions that have shaped the way we live today and learn why he was heralded the ‘greatest benefactor of the human race’. From steam power to tea services, explore the relationship between Watt’s steam engine and a new age of consumption.
Watt's improved engines meant steam could be used everywhere, from pumping coal mines to powering textile mills and breweries. Find out more about the renowned engineer and his incredible legacy.
Visit this gallery to discover remarkable objects that helped shape Britain’s industrial past and future.
Website

Climate Change: Why Should We Care?
- 28 January 2021 6:30-7:30pm
What will Earth be like for future generations? We’re bringing together an international panel of scientists, policy experts and climate activists to kick off the Climate Talks series and discuss why action is needed now if we’re to tackle the incredible challenges presented by climate change.
Delve into the science, hear some uncomfortable facts about the state of our planet and be inspired by efforts from across the globe which are beginning to make a real difference.
Speakers include:
Dr Jane Goodall, DBE: Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and a UN Messenger of Peace, an ethologist and conservationist known for her ground-breaking research into the lives of wild chimpanzee in Gombe, Tanzania, now in its 60th year.
Kira Peter-Hansen MEP: Climate advocate and the youngest ever Member of European Parliament
Dr Tamsin Edwards: Climate scientist at King’s College London and a lead author of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report
Wanjuhi Njoroge: Climate activist, forest restoration advocate, entrepreneur and founder of People, Planet Africa
Dr Hannah Fry (Chair): Associate Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at UCL, broadcaster, and science writer.
Suitable for
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
Website
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/climate-talks

Earth, but not as we know it: Lovelock’s legacy and our future
- 13 February 2021 7:30-8:45pm
The Gaia Hypothesis, which was first formulated by James Lovelock in the 1960s, suggests that the organic and inorganic components of the Earth have evolved together as a single living, self-regulating system. This theory has been both hugely influential and controversial and has shaped how contemporary environmental scientists view issues such as climate change and biodiversity.
As part of this thrilling discussion, discover what Dr Lovelock, the 101-year-old scientist who created the Gaia Hypothesis, has to say in response to questions about his theory, including what individuals can do to help Gaia, and whether it can still cope if the population reaches 10 billion in 2050. You can also hear live opinions from our panel and have your say at this unique event.
Physicist, oceanographer and broadcaster, Dr Helen Czerski, leads the discussion as our expert panellists, including science writer and broadcaster Gaia Vince, climate activist Professor Chris Rapley, CBE, and Zamzam Ibrahim, Vice President of European students Union, respond to James' provocations with their own thoughts on Gaia theory and what the future holds for humanity and our planet.
This event is part of the Science Museum Group's series of Climate Talks and is produced by the Science and Industry Museum as part of Manchester Science Festival.
Suitable for
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
Website
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/climate-talks

Changing the system: Brian Eno and James Thornton in conversation
- 15 February 2021 7:30-8:45pm
From winning court cases over illegal air pollution, to writing laws to ensure that there will be fish in the sea for years to come, this is a chance to learn how powerful change can be achieved and what we can all do to play our part.
Speakers include:
•Brian Eno: Musician, producer, visual artist, activist, and trustee of ClientEarth.
•James Thornton: CEO and founder of ClientEarth, named by the New statesman as one of 10 people who could change the world.
This event is part of the Science Museum Group's series of Climate Talks and is produced by the Science and Industry Museum as part of Manchester Science Festival.
Suitable for
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
Website
https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/see-and-do/climate-talks
Building Bonanza Low Energy House Game
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/onlinestuff/games/building_bonanza.aspx
Try to build a "house of the future" by selecting the most environmentally friendly, low-energy materials and features in this online interactive game.
Challenge of Materials
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/on-line/challenge/
An online exhibition about materials, with interactive elements exploring types of materials, selecting materials, making materials, and 'world-changing' materials.
Creator
- Science Museum
Publisher
- Science Museum
Energy - fuelling the future
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/energy/
A website designed to help KS2 and KS3 children find out about how we use energy, and make the most of a visit to the Energy Fuelling the Future gallery at the Science Museum. Here you will find fascinating facts, quizzes, and a wealth of practical activities developed with teachers who have tested them with their own children in schools. Many of the activities can be adapted for different audiences.
Creator
- Science Museum
Energy Info Zone
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/energy/site/EIZgames.asp
Kids' Science Book Club
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/about_us/membership/kids_science_book_club.aspx
The Kids Science Book Club is a fun and interactive book club to encourage children to read and learn whilst enjoying a literary extravaganza. It’s a great way to learn more about science in a fun way. On Saturdays, monthly at 11.00.
How to obtain
Booking is essential - email membership@sciencemuseum.org.uk or call 020 7942 4333.
Making the Modern World: Bridges
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/learning_modules/maths/02.TU.03/
This mathematics study module, available online, looks at how differently shaped bridges, built at different periods of time, handle loads and stress.
Making the Modern World: Urban Sustainability - Cities and the Role of Technology
http://www.makingthemodernworld.org.uk/learning_modules/geography/04.TU.01/?section=14
This geography study module, available online, looks at urban development. Case studies are taken from cities around the world, and demonstrate cities as different kinds of systems, sustainability, and how technological developments affect urban life.
The Hunt for Higgs
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/bigbang/huntforhiggs/index.asp
Science Museum
Exhibition Road
London
Greater London
SW7 2DD
England
Website
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk
General enquiries
General enquiries and feedback
Telephone
Information and bookings
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