About
The Science Museum in London is one of the world's leading science museums, housing over 300,000 objects including iconic items like Stephenson's Rocket, the Apollo 10 command module, and the first jet engine. Interactive galleries explore everything from space exploration and aviation to medicine, computing, and climate science.
With hands-on exhibits, an IMAX cinema, and special exhibitions, it brings science and technology to life for all ages.
Free entry to permanent galleries makes it one of London's most popular family attractions.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2022)
2,334,392
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, Sunday
💡 Weekday mornings or late afternoons
💡 Visitor Tips
- Visit Wonderlab early for shorter queues - it's very popular with families
- The IMAX cinema requires separate tickets - book in advance online
- Allow 3-4 hours minimum - there's a lot to see across 5 floors
- Free daily science shows and demonstrations run throughout the day
- Combine with Natural History Museum and V&A - all three are within walking distance
- The museum shop is excellent for science gifts and educational toys
Highlights
Apollo 10 Command Module
The actual capsule that carried astronauts around the Moon in May 1969, the dress rehearsal for the Moon landing. One of only three flown Apollo command modules on display outside the USA.
Stephenson's Rocket
The iconic 1829 steam locomotive that revolutionized rail travel. Winner of the Rainhill Trials, it represents the birth of modern railways.
The Difference Engine No. 2
Charles Babbage's revolutionary mechanical calculator, built from his designs 150 years after his death. A milestone in computing history.
Puffing Billy
World's oldest surviving steam locomotive from 1814. Predates Stephenson's Rocket by 15 years.
Collections
The Science Museum holds over 300,000 items spanning science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Collections include world-class holdings in computing, space exploration, medicine, transport, telecommunications, energy, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Many objects are iconic 'firsts' including the oldest steam locomotive, the first jet engine, and Apollo 10.
Exploring Space
Journey through space exploration from early rockets to the International Space Station, featuring Apollo 10
📍 Ground Floor
Making the Modern World
Iconic objects that shaped our world including Stephenson's Rocket, Apollo 10, and the first jet engine
📍 Ground Floor
Flight
Aviation history from hot air balloons to modern jets, including fighter planes and helicopters
📍 Third Floor
Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
5000 years of medicine from ancient remedies to modern surgery and genetic engineering
📍 First Floor
Information Age
Six networks that changed the world: telegraph, telephone, broadcast, satellite, computer, and web
📍 Second Floor
Mathematics: The Winton Gallery
How mathematicians, their tools, and ideas have shaped our world over 400 years
📍 Ground Floor
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
