Science Museum
London · United Kingdom · Founded 1857
Good for: Families · History Enthusiasts · Rainy-day visits
1857
Founded
300,000+
Collection Items
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Science Museum in London, United Kingdom — founded in 1857 with material from the Great Exhibition, the Science Museum has grown to hold more than 300,000 items charting the history of science, technology, medicine, and industry. Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Admission: ✓ Free standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Science Museum
Founded in 1857 with material from the Great Exhibition, the Science Museum has grown to hold more than 300,000 items charting the history of science, technology, medicine, and industry.
Free admission to permanent galleries makes it one of London's most visited museums, especially popular with families. It sits on Exhibition Road in South Kensington alongside the V&A and Natural History Museum.
Highlights include Stephenson's Rocket, the Apollo 10 command module, Alan Turing's Pilot ACE computer, and Watson and Crick's DNA model.
The Wonderlab interactive gallery (ticketed) and IMAX cinema offer hands-on experiences for children. The museum's historic engines gallery is a masterpiece of Victorian industrial display.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Science Museum without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Stephenson's Rocket
📍 Making the Modern World gallery
The locomotive that won the Rainhill Trials and launched the railway age — one of the most important machines in industrial history, displayed alongside the Apollo 10 capsule.
- 2
Apollo 10 Command Module
📍 Making the Modern World gallery
The capsule that rehearsed every step of the Moon landing except the final descent — Charlie Brown carried Stafford, Young, and Cernan around the Moon in May 1969.
- 3
Watson and Crick's DNA Model
📍 Who Am I? gallery
The original wire-and-tinplate model built in the Cavendish Laboratory to test the double-helix structure of DNA — one of the most significant objects in the history of science.
- 4
Babbage's Difference Engine No. 1
📍 Mathematics gallery
Babbage's pioneering mechanical calculator — never completed in his lifetime but the conceptual ancestor of the modern computer.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Science Museum — and why they matter.
Stephenson's Rocket
George and Robert Stephenson · 1829
📍 Making the Modern World gallery
The locomotive that won the Rainhill Trials and launched the railway age — one of the most important machines in industrial history, displayed alongside the Apollo 10 capsule.
Apollo 10 Command Module
NASA · 1969
📍 Making the Modern World gallery
The capsule that rehearsed every step of the Moon landing except the final descent — Charlie Brown carried Stafford, Young, and Cernan around the Moon in May 1969.
Watson and Crick's DNA Model
James Watson and Francis Crick · 1953
📍 Who Am I? gallery
The original wire-and-tinplate model built in the Cavendish Laboratory to test the double-helix structure of DNA — one of the most significant objects in the history of science.
Babbage's Difference Engine No. 1
Charles Babbage · 1832
📍 Mathematics gallery
Babbage's pioneering mechanical calculator — never completed in his lifetime but the conceptual ancestor of the modern computer.
Collections & highlights
- • Making the Modern World — Rocket, Apollo 10, Crick's DNA model
- • Flight gallery — historic aircraft
- • Medicine and healthcare history
- • Mathematics and computing
- • Energy and power — steam engines
- • Wonderlab interactive gallery (ticketed)
Frequently asked questions
Is admission free?
Yes, the permanent galleries are free; some special exhibits and Wonderlab are ticketed.
Are the IMAX screenings included?
No, IMAX films require a separate ticket.
How long should I spend at Science Museum?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Science Museum best known for?
Founded in 1857 with material from the Great Exhibition, the Science Museum has grown to hold more than 300,000 items charting the history of science and technology. Key highlights include Stephenson's Rocket, Apollo 10 command module, Wonderlab interactive gallery.
How do I get tickets for Science Museum?
✓ Free standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
Is it good for young children?
Excellent — Wonderlab (ages 7–14) is a ticketed interactive gallery. The free galleries also have hands-on elements. Very popular with families.
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