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The Science Museum
Museums in London25 Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, Greater London, SW7 2DD
020 79424000
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Latest Reviews
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Valuefab day out
Jul 13, 2010i love the science museum, i could spend a week here, there is something for al the family
strongly recommend it
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ValueScience is Fun!
Apr 15, 2009The Science Museum is situated on Exhibition Road, London close to the South Kensington Tube Station. You can reach the museum by following the subway from the tube station which brings you up just next to the entrance to the museum.
The museum has over 300,000 items and is spread out over 7 floors although some floors are much larger than others. When we visited in January 2009 several of the exhibition areas were closed for refurbishment so if you want to visit a particular exhibit it might be worth checking ahead that it is actually open.
The museum is open 7 days a week and is only closed from the 24th to 26th December. The museum opens daily from 10am to 6pm. Children under the age of 13 must be supervised by an adult.
You enter the museum on the ground floor, entrance to the museum is free but there are opportunities to leave a donation towards the running of the museum. However although the museum is free there are special exhibitions and the IMAX cinema which you have to pay to enter and tickets for both of these can be bought at the desks in the museum. The IMAX 3D cinema in the museum boasts a screen taller than 4 double decker buses. It shows films and documentaries based around space, nature and science. When we visited the museum the exhibition on was "Japan Car: Designs for the Crowded Globe." Although my husband is keen on cars he wasn't too excited about seeing Japanese cars and felt that paying £8 each to look at them was a little too much so we didn't go. It does suggest that the exhibit takes an hour to look round so it must be fairly big. There are also various simulators around the museum which you have to pay for as well if you want to try them.
The first big exhibit is Exploring Space which is a really interesting exhibit detailing space exploration. There are lots of rockets and satellites and also some interesting details about what life is like up in space. I found it very interesting (and perhaps a little disgusting) how they manage to go to the toilet in space and they have some examples of the space nappies they used to use!
The next exhibit is called Making the Modern World and has an amazing collection of various things which shows our achievements in technology. Included in this collection are things like Stephenson's Rockets, airplanes and cars. There are also some reminders of our less successful inventions and there was a display including Thaladomide tablets and a reminder of the terrible damage they did.
This display then leads onto The Wellcome Wing which is where the IMAX cinema is located. There was also an exhibit on Genetically Modified food but we didn't have time to go round that.
The Flight gallery is another very impressive gallery up on the third floor it has been designed to look like an aircraft hanger. Along with various planes and engines what I found very interesting was a cross-section of a Boeing 747 showing the various levels of the seats and the luggage compartments underneath and also the relative thinness of the walls. It was quite impressive to see. To view things better there is a raised walkway to allow you to get a better view. There was also a display about mans attempts to fly too.
One of the features we didn't view but which I believe is very popular and certainly seemed to have lots of school kids heading into is the Launchpad which has over 50 interactive exhibits. There are also lots of experiments and shows to keep the children entertained and to excite their interest in science.
The fourth floor houses "Glimpses of Medical History" and "Psychology: Mind Your Head." This was quite an interesting floor and when we visited we were the only 2 people on the whole floor! There is a mixture of things to see like a few pickled brains! Then there is lots of hands on interactive computers that ask you questions which you have to answer then tell you how brainy or not you are. My husband and I spent a while seeing who was best!
The fifth floor consists of "The Science and the Art of Medicine" and "Veterinary History" sadly we didn't have time to visit this floor so its one to save for another visit.
There was only one downside of this museum for me and that was several parts of the museum were closed for refurbishment. Although I can competely understand the need for this it made the museum quite hard to get around. Some of the lifts only go up to certain floors and some staircases where closed so it was a bit difficult getting access to some of the floors.
The facilities in the museum were also very good. There are toilets and baby changing facilities on each floor. If you are looking for somewhere to eat you can bring your own packed lunch and eat it in the picnic areas. There is also the Eat Drink Shop which serves hot and cold snacks, the Deep Blue Café which is a waiter-service restaurant or the Revolution Café which is a self-service café.
We went to the Revolution Café where there was a good selection of filled rolls and sandwiches and a choice of hot meals too. We had some very nice baked potatoes with cheese and coleslaw. I can also thoroughly recommend the chocolate brownies which were big enough to share between two of us and were very tasty. The baked potatoes were £5.95 and came with a helping of cheese, coleslaw and baked beans although we omitted the baked beans. The brownie was £1.80 and as I say was a big enough size for 2 to share. We had water to drink which was £1.25 a bottle. I felt the prices were fairly reasonable for a hot filling lunch in a London museum. The café was a mixture of small tables for 2 people and larger tables with benches. There were highchairs available for babies. We visited on a weekday in January and the café was fairly busy but still plenty of seating, I can imagine that on weekends or holidays it would be very busy.
There is also a large gift shop with a wide range of gifts. There are your usual pens, key rings and little pocket money gifts for children. There is also a wide range of the Science Museums own gifts with things to make, experiments to do or things to play with. We bought an IQ test for our dog (which I look forward to trying out with him!) and a souvenir pen.
I thought the Science Museum was a really interesting place to visit. We spent a couple of hours here but could have spent much longer as we didn't manage to get round all the exhibits. There is plenty here to keep all ages interested. The food was also very nice! We visited on a weekday in January and it was really fairly quiet although I imagine on weekends and during school holidays it will be packed. It is also situated next to both the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum so you can make a whole day of it if you have the energy.
On the downside it is a bit hard to find your way around all the exhibits but this should improve once all the floors are reopened. It is a great place to visit if you are in London and especially on a rainy day there is enough to keep you occupied. I enjoyed my visit and would go back again to have a further look round and see the exhibits I missed. If you thought Science was boring you should visit this museum as it will change your mind. -
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ValueIt's free and great for kids - what's not to love?!
Mar 28, 2009Pros: I took my son to the science museum yesterday. He's only four and I had to literally drag him away with the promise of a chocolate biscuit after four hours in there.... it's rare for a museum to have such engaging stuff for little ones, but they have turned the basement into a big picnic/games/experiments area. The area called the garden has lots of water play, climbing, bricks, musical instruments, wacky mirrors and more. He loved it, loved having a picnic and even enjoyed some of the more grown up galeries. I'd recommend it for a free day out in London that's of real quality and even has learning elements to it.
Cons: It was pretty full of schools on the day I went (a Friday in term time) and can get absolutely rammed - being free it is a popular destination. But then there's so much to do you really won't mind the queueing. -
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ValueWonderful Fun for all the family
Mar 20, 2009Pros: Set on Exhibition road close to High Street Kensington Tube station this is one of the best museums in London, entry is free and this place is fun for all of the family, with several exhibitions on, when I went there was a fun interactive evening of inventions, there have been others involving evolution and other interesting things. The place is funky and encourages learning it makes it fun and cool and I really love the place. It is in a good location, there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby and transport links especially buses are great and you can also park nearby. This is one of Londons best tourist attractions and is a wonderful place for all of the family!
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ValueSo much to do............
Feb 26, 2009Pros: If your ever in or around London then the science museum is a must do! Theres so much to do here you could be there for hours. Loads of intresting stuff for young and old. Quite often kids can get bored at a museum but not here. Every where you look theres something else to try and the fun just continues.
Its also very good value. Considering what you can actually do here its possibly one of the best value days out there is. Its in a cracking location and is well sign posted. If you get lost whilst looking for it just ask someone as its a well known place.
Cons: The only downside is that it gets a little busy at times. especially in the school holidays. But thats just a sign of how popular the place is. -
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Valuescience museum
Jan 26, 2009Pros: This is a great place to take kids.
It is free to get in, apart from if you would like to go in the IMAX cinema. This is a great experience, but is a bit expensive.
The food place are quite expensive also.
The museum itself is great. There is alot to read, so if with kids, you may have to skip over reading too much.
There is a great interactive place called the future, were you can find out how things might affect you in the future. One game gave you life choices, and depending on what you picked at the end gave you a life expectancy.
They used to have a great place in the basement for the kids, this has now been moved upstairs. Its a bit smaller than what it used to be when it was in the basement, but its still very good. Its a hands on place for kids to do various experiments. We spent alot of time here. -
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ValueSomething for everyone
Oct 20, 2008Pros: After taking my kids to the frankly rubbish Dr Who Exhibition at Earls Court we needed somewhere to go to fill up the rest of the day and decided to go to the Science Museum. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more but there is something of interest for everyone. There's way too much to do in one day, we didn't get past the first floor with the fantastic Energy Hall, but I know there are other areas where kids can get really hands on if they get bored easily. The IMAX cinema is spectacular but costs extra, entry to the main museum being free.
Cons: Just too much to do! You could walk yourself into the ground so wear comfy shoes. -
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ValuePlanes trains automabiles and much much more
Sep 10, 2008Pros: Another of Londons great free museums. Personally I love to just pop in for an hour os so and just see one section at a time.
The last time I went (saturday past) I went to the genetics area. Its full of my favourite museum exhibitions - i.e. those with lots of buttons. I would recommened it to anyone of any age.
As well as the genetics exhibition you can see the amazing old machinery or a quite astounding virtual map of all fo the satellites currently orbiting the earth. Honestly until you see it you won't believe it!
Theres something for everyne here and as its free why not just pop in?
Cons: I'm not a fan of the gift shop, its big but poorly thought out and full of tatt. As an avid fan of all things shopping I was amazed to find nothing I remotley wanted to buy! -
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ValueLove it love it love it
Jul 29, 2008Pros: If you can't think of anything to do for the day, and fancy a trip to London, then the Science Museum is the place to go. Its FREE, and there is so much to see and do.
The Sceience museum has got to be the place museum in London.
If you finish the Museum early, why not watch at film at the IMAX in the Museum. Unfortunately this you have to pay for, but it will end your day well.
The staff are all so lovely and frienly, and you can see how much they enjoy the job they do.
Cons: The IMAX line to get tickets sometimes get a little long, but well worth the wait. -
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ValueWhatever your age, this is one of the best.
Jul 28, 2008Pros: Taking a <2 year old up on the train to London on a rainy day always has the potential for disaster but we had a fantastic day out at the museums and this was the highlight.
I've always loved the Science Museum, and making the entry free has only helped - hats off to the ex-mayor for that one.
We were able to take our pushchair around to most of the exhibits.
Our youngster loved the 'garden' in the basement - lots of fun with light, sound, and especially water. He could have stayed there forever.
Cons: Lots of chopping and changing with lifts when you have a pushchair.
Take your own food and drink if you can.
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ValueGreat entertainment
Jul 28, 2008Pros: There is so much to see and do at the science museum that you can't possibly fit it all into one day.
Lots of activities for all different age children to partcipate in and it is free! -
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ValueLike going back to school again
Jul 27, 2008Pros: This is just like going back to school again to your old science classes, but without the barking mad teacher or the exams and tests at the end of it. For a start there are loads of interactive and educational displays for you to get an understanding about how something works. Then you have the IMAX 3D cinema which really does stretch your mind with what you see and experience. Don’t forget the space section where you can see things that have actually been into space (my son didn’t stop going on about it for ages afterward). Then there is the future section which looks at what life might be like in the future. Then you have …………………. The list just goes on and on. It is a great educational day out for all the family and what makes it even better is that it is free admission.
Cons: Take your own refreshments if you can because the food is hideously expensive and very unappetising. -
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ValueFun for the whole family
Jul 26, 2008Pros: Child- and adult-friendly museum with interactive and educational displays about all areas of science, from astronomy to geography to biology to environmental issues.
The star is the massive halls containing famous vehicles, including space ships!
I enjoy the quieter upper floor areas, with exhibits on medicine throught the ages, and veterinary medicine.
It also houses an IMAX cinema which screens educational and entertaining movies (currently they are screening one about they life of an aquatic dinosaur, and one aboyt Egyptian mummies, amongst others).
Cons: The queues can be huge, especially for special exhibits and IMAX (confusingly, you have to buy your tickets first, which can be bought at the front desk; the queue is for those with tickets).
The cafe is expensive and the food dry and unappetising. -
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ValueNot as boring as it sounds
Jul 8, 2008Pros: This is a great day out for all the family with so much going on you can really make a day out of the visit. The exhibits are wonderful and apart from giving you something interesting to look at they also get you to questions how and why something happens which is fantastic when you have kids around. The I-Max is worth a visit if you don't mind paying for it and will deff be a talking point for children who have visited a normal cinema before. The best thing about this place though is it is free a whole day out with no admission charges - Fantastic.
Cons: To make money as you are not chraged to enter the prices of the food are rediculous. Also the cafe gets extremely busy. -
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ValueNot just for the Science boffins!
Jul 7, 2008Pros: We've been back here so many times- it's just brilliant! There are so many different elements to discover and so many historical artifacts that make the kids go 'wow!' when they realise they're gazing at Stephenson's Rocket- or something that's actually been in space. Extra excitement is recognising the area where a scene from the film Stormbreaker was filmed!
There really is so much to do- for the adults as well as the kids- that you'll need to set aside several hours at least (the whole day is better) to look round. There are some extras that you'll need to pay for (IMAX, for example, and the simulator among others)- but there's just so much that you DON'T have to pay for, that you spend a comletely free day out here (as long as you bring some food from home!). Wonderful ideas, wonderful exhibits.
Cons: As with most museums- cafe and gift shop prices are horrendous! Both are usually overcrowded and get everyone annoyed. Much better to take a packed lunch from home- there are plenty of places to eat your own food- and to just limit yourself to a couple of quid for the odd token gift. The guys flying things around the shop get pretty annoying. Watch out when they let kids have a go. Last time we were there, I watched 3 different people get walloped in the head. -
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ValueScience Museum for those with energy
Jul 7, 2008Pros: Phew, miles and miles of endlessly walking and finding new treasures and information. Fantastic interactive area keeps the children occupied for hours so much so that it is often difficult to pull them away from the area to go and spend time elsewhere - and then they moan when they do not get enough time to see it all. The Science Museum has held some special times for me with young and old alike enjoying the different exhibitions. it is surprising how all of a sudden things begin to make sense and you enjoy learning at different times. As children we remember the days as long but very special. So easy to get to with public transport that makes the time even better spent. You need lots of energy to see it all but as it is free it is ok to go back time and time again. Once you have been for the first time there is no doubt you will return. Make a contribution if you can as this is something we should never lose.
Cons: Busy at certain times of the year, eg holidays but still space for everyone. I would like to see it opened after 6pm to encourage the young ones at work to go during the evenings. -
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ValueFree! - and a great day out
Jul 6, 2008Pros: The best thing about the science museum is the hands-on aspects, you can find these on the bottom floor 'launch pad' which is a massive hit with the kids and you will find full of interative 'experiments' to keep them entertained for hours. There is also an upstairs area with interactive computer games.
There is a small picnic area downstairs which is often crowded full of school children during the week, but is quite handy if you do not want to spend your money at the cafe. The rest of the museum has loads of entertaining exhibits, I particularly like the 'futuristic' aspects, which give you a glimpse into what the world might be like 100 years from now.
There is also an Imax cinema (you pay for), which has great 3D movies, & there are many other entertaining exhibits and activities you can pay for, like flight simulators and extra exhibits.
Cons: The cafe and restaurant are overprices, and the food they serve is not great either. The shop also sells overpriced items. Often areas of the museum are shut off to the public for restoration, or there are limited areas which you have to pay extra for. I have also found sometimes the areas you pay for, such as the flight simulator are very dissapointing considering what you pay! -
Anonymous reviewer
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Valuegreat
Jul 5, 2008Pros: brilliant...lots of things to do
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ValueScience museum
Jul 1, 2008Pros: If you weren't paying much attention in science class at school, here's your chance to catch up! Of course, it's also a great place to take kids, as it's highly interactive and so a lot of fun for all.
I went with my sons class and they all had a great day, such fun ways of getting children to learn and they dont even realise they are -
Anonymous reviewer
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ValueA great free museum for all ages!
Jul 1, 2008Pros: There is literally something for everyone at the Science Museum. Best of all, its free!
I have been to the science museum many times in the past and every time I visit, I discover something new!
The location is also great as it is near to the Natural History Museum. It is also possible to walk between the museum and Victoria station (takes about 30 minutes and takes you through a lovely part of Kensington and Chelsea).
Cons: Can't really think of any cons about the Science Museum! -
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ValueCan't beat the launch pad
Jun 18, 2008Pros: been hundreds of times and there is always something you will enjoy looking at.
I wouldn't want to go for hours at a time, but as it is free you can go and do whatever interests you and then go back again to do something else.
the hands on LaunchPad is fantastic - alll the kids i have ever been with expecially enjoy the HUGE bubbles they can make.
Cons: Well i hate the flight exhibition, but my husband spent an hour and a half in it . -
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ValueBoring, dirty and backward
Jun 17, 2008Pros: While overall I was very disappointed with the Science Museum, I enjoyed the aviation exhibit. There are interactive exhibits for the kiddies, but no where near the scale of great science museums, such as Toronto's.
Cons: The Science Museum could probably benefit from a cash-injection but not all of its problems are associated with lack of money. Many of the exhibits are very out of date and uninspired and/or tell a very narrow story of the history of science. For instance, the computing/IT exhibit is actively dull and tells the same old white Anglo-American male story of engineering, enterprise and hard ware and so completely lacks historical nuance and fails to show the depth and breadth of computing (e.g. why not something about software).
Many of the exhibits and eating areas are filthy.
A little money and a lot of imagination and passion could turn this place around, but I think that it is a pretty poor example of a science museum as it stands now.
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ValueHours of gazing
May 30, 2008Pros: If you went to school in the London area, you went on a school trip to the Science museum.
If you didn't, get down there now. There's loads of stuff to see in here, your day will disappear really quickly. There's space stuff, boats, cool gadgets, old cars, planes, engines, computers and a big ring in the middle of the place that asks you questions about the environment. When you put in your answer it shows up on the ring... Now it used to show up straight away but they changed that. I like to think some of things I used to put on the large lcd display contributed to this.
Definitely check out the electrocution pole-thing. Have you got the guts?
There's also an IMAX cinema in the science museum that's well worth the look. If you've never seen a 3D film, you don't know what you're missing. I was always wowed by these things. The sea show is very good, marvel as squid fly above you head... That stuff doesn't happen every day...
The science museum shop is great fun... Potato powered alarm clock... score.
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ValueCall me immature but...
May 6, 2008Pros: I like science. You know, periodic tables, magnetic resonance, and so on. But I'm one of those people that loves to interact. So after a quick tour around some historical bits, it was off to kids land. Interacting with light, water, etc with the kids was great! They also had this artistic display that used light to interact with your shadow. I was karate chopping rainbows until some kids kicked me out.
Their current exhibition on plastics was also fantastic. We were chasing each other through the red plastic car-wash-like things... it was hilarious
Cons: they wouldn't let people over 5 play with the shapes...and the kids were hogging all the fun bits and would barely share with me!
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ValueTop notch
Apr 7, 2008Pros: I've been to the science museum more times than I can count. Probably first when I was five on a school trip. The place makes it fun for kids, with things to climb on, stuff to build, bright colours and crazy experiments. Now I still like to pop in when I'm in the area. It's free and they've always got something interesting to look at or read. Plus the people who work there are great with kids and quite knowledgeable when approached. Great day out.
Cons: I'm apparently 'too old and too big' to play on the bridges now, weight/height limits or something.
