Part of the same South Kensington museum cluster as the V&A and Natural History Museum, this museum traces the history of science and technology through galleries covering space exploration, medicine, computing, and engineering. Highlights include the Apollo 10 command module and Stephenson's Rocket locomotive.
The Science Museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London, traces the history and impact of science and technology through galleries covering space exploration, medicine, computing and engineering. The Making the Modern World gallery displays historic machines including Stephenson's Rocket locomotive and early steam engines, while the Exploring Space gallery features full-scale rocket models and genuine spacecraft artefacts. Wonderlab, a hands-on interactive gallery aimed at families, and an IMAX 3D cinema both require separate paid tickets on top of the museum's free general admission. A typical visit lasts two to four hours, longer for families spending extended time in Wonderlab. The museum sits alongside the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum on Exhibition Road, allowing an easy combined visit across South Kensington's museum quarter. School holidays bring significant crowds, particularly around the interactive galleries, so weekday mornings during term time offer the calmest experience for exploring the historic machine halls and flight gallery in detail.
| Admission | Free. IMAX cinema and special exhibitions £10–20 / approx USD 13–25. Book at sciencemuseum.org.uk. |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:15) |
| Typical visit | 2–4 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; school holidays get very busy with families |
| Getting there | Tube: South Kensington (Circle/District/Piccadilly); 5-minute walk via Exhibition Road |
| Address | Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD |
Location
Exhibition Road, London SW7 2DD
51.4978, -0.1745 View on map
Highlights
- Wonderlab interactive gallery (ticketed)
- Exploring Space gallery with real rockets and spacecraft artefacts
- Making the Modern World hall of historic machines, including Stephenson's Rocket
- IMAX 3D cinema
- Flight gallery with historic aircraft
Tips for visiting
- General admission is free; book a free online ticket, especially for weekends
- Wonderlab and IMAX require separate paid tickets, book ahead
- School holidays are very busy; arrive at opening to beat the crowds
- A cloakroom is available for bags and coats
- Combine with the neighbouring Natural History Museum on Exhibition Road
When to visit
Weekday mornings outside school holidays are quietest; expect heavier crowds during UK school breaks.
Accessibility
The museum has step-free access, lifts to all floors, and free wheelchairs available at the entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Science Museum take?
Most visitors spend two to four hours, longer with children in Wonderlab.
Is the Science Museum worth it for kids?
Yes, it is one of London's best museums for children, especially the hands-on Wonderlab gallery.
Is photography allowed inside the Science Museum?
Photography without flash is allowed throughout the permanent galleries.
Tours and tickets
Science Museum
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