The Science Museum, London, UK came about due to the Great Exhibition in 1851. It was extremely popular and raised so much money that Prince Albert decided to use the surplus to construct several museums, one of which eventually became known as the Science Museum.
When it opened in 1857, the museum contained surplus exhibits from the exhibition as well as a collection from the Royal Society of Arts, but it has grown to include an amazing variety of items.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.
The Science Museum collections have several distinct areas of specialization.
They have a world class medical collection, spanning everything from prehistoric medical implements to MRIs.
The history of medical practice is well documented, and there are an amazing array of medical technology and tools from over the centuries.
Clinical Medicine, Public Health, and Psychology are all represented, making this one of the most extensive collections of its kind.
Another special area is Engineering Technologies, with a special emphasis on the Industrial Revolution and Britain’s contributions to it.
Stephenson’s Rocket and Puffing Billy are popular and well-loved steam locomotives on display at the Science Museum, and you can see other steam engines and even the world’s first jet engine at the museum.
The main science exhibits focus largely on the scientific instruments that have made it possible for us to investigate the world around us, and there is also a large Information and Communications Technology area devoted to the storage and manipulation of information, such as computers, networks, software, and satellites.
Something quite novel at the museum is the “Science Night” where parents and children can do fun science-based activities at the museum and then spend the night sleeping in the galleries.
In the morning, breakfast and an IMAX movie complete your scientific sleepover experience.
The Science Museum, London, UK offers visitors an interactive and interesting look at the history and development of the science and technology that we all take for granted these days.
Visiting Science Museum
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
Telephone: 0870 870 4868
Email feedback@nmsi.ac.uk
Opening Times
10am to 6pm
Ticket Prices
Adult FREE, Child FREE | Charges apply for the IMAX 3D Cinema, simulators and some special exhibitions.
Photo courtesy: fiskfisk
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