Background

Science Museum, London

Explore centuries of scientific breakthroughs and interactive wonders at London’s iconic Science Museum in South Kensington.

4.5

Located on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the Science Museum in London is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the history and impact of science, technology, and industry. Open daily from 10am to 6pm with free admission (pre-booking required), it features interactive galleries such as Wonderlab, Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, and Making the Modern World. The museum offers immersive experiences for all ages, including live science shows, an IMAX cinema, and special exhibitions.

A brief summary to Science Museum

  • Exhibition Rd, London, South Kensington, SW7 2DD, GB
  • +443300580058
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Pre-book free admission tickets online to ensure entry and avoid queues.
  • Arrive early to enjoy popular interactive exhibits like Wonderlab with fewer crowds.
  • Visit the Clock Gallery around noon to hear the unique chiming of historic clocks.
  • Check the museum’s schedule for special events such as adult-only late openings and seasonal activities.
  • The Garden is a free sensory play area ideal for children under five.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Piccadilly, Circle, or District lines to South Kensington station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Trains run frequently every 2-5 minutes during the day. Note that the station has step-free access from street to platform.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes stop near Exhibition Road, including routes 14, 49, 70, and 74. Buses run every 10-20 minutes depending on the route. Bus stops are within a short walking distance to the museum entrance.

  • Taxi or Rideshare

    Taxis and rideshare services can drop you off directly outside the museum on Exhibition Road. Travel times vary with traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Note that parking is limited and paid parking nearby can be expensive.

  • Walking from Nearby Museums

    The Science Museum is within a 5-minute walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum, making it easy to visit multiple sites in one day along a flat, accessible route.

Science Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Low-Visibility Conditions
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Science Museum

A Legacy of Scientific Discovery and Innovation

The Science Museum in London stands as a monument to human ingenuity and scientific progress. Founded in the Victorian era, it has grown into one of the world’s leading museums dedicated to science, technology, and industry. Its vast collection spans from the dawn of the industrial revolution to cutting-edge modern technology, showcasing iconic artifacts such as the Apollo 10 command module and Crick and Watson’s DNA model. The museum’s location in South Kensington places it among other cultural landmarks, making it a key part of London’s rich educational landscape.

Immersive and Interactive Exhibitions for All Ages

Visitors can explore a diverse range of themed galleries that bring science to life. Wonderlab offers a spectacular interactive experience with live science shows and hands-on experiments that captivate children and adults alike. The Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries present the history and future of medical science through engaging displays. Making the Modern World highlights transformative inventions that shaped society, including steam engines, rocket engines, and early computers. For younger children, The Garden provides a sensory play area designed to introduce science through play.

Special Experiences and Events

The museum hosts a variety of special events, including monthly adult-only late openings where visitors can enjoy the galleries in a relaxed atmosphere, and seasonal events such as Christmas Late Openings featuring festive shows and shopping. The IMAX: The Ronson Theatre offers breathtaking 3D documentaries on a giant screen, while Power Up invites visitors to explore 50 years of gaming history through interactive exhibits. Educational programs and workshops further enrich the visitor experience.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

The Science Museum is fully accessible, with lifts to all floors and accessible toilets. It provides facilities such as restrooms, seating areas, picnic spots, and a well-stocked gift shop offering science-themed merchandise. Visitors are encouraged to pre-book free admission tickets online to manage capacity. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:15, and closes only on December 24-26. Its central location is convenient for exploring nearby museums and cultural sites.

Engaging Educational Opportunities

The museum serves as a hub for learning, offering school sessions, group visits, and trails to guide exploration. It supports STEM education through interactive galleries and career-focused exhibits like Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery. The museum’s commitment to inspiring curiosity and understanding makes it a vital resource for families, students, and science enthusiasts.

A Living Museum of Science and Society

Beyond static displays, the Science Museum continually evolves with new exhibitions and galleries, reflecting ongoing scientific advancements and societal challenges. Its exhibitions on topics like food sustainability and cancer research connect science with everyday life. The museum’s blend of historic artifacts and contemporary issues invites visitors to appreciate science’s role in shaping the past, present, and future.

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