Science Museum London Free

The Science Museum is home to award-winning exhibitions, iconic objects and stories of incredible scientific achievement.

The Museum’s interactive galleries bring science to life, where you can see lightning strike before your eyes, play with forces on giant slides or travel through space under a canopy of stars.

What kind of exhibitions can you see at the Science Museum?

There are four floors of educational and interactive exhibits, including the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module – the spacecraft that took astronaut Tim Peake back to Earth from the International Space Station, and a real piece of the Moon.

What can I explore at the Science Museum?

You can explore the free galleries of the Science Museum, by walking beneath real rockets in Exploring Space; visiting the largest medical galleries in the world in Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries; diving into the role of mathematics in our lives in Mathematics: The Winton Gallery; or discovering some of the most iconic items that have shaped our society in Making the Modern World, from the Apollo 10 capsule module to Crick and Watson’s DNA model. 

Budding scientists can be amazed by live science shows and enjoy demonstrations led by a talented team of Explainers in Wonderlab, while teenagers can discover an interactive world of STEM careers in Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery. 

Plus, you can immerse yourself in the hands-on gaming experience Power Up, watch a 3D documentary on a screen taller than four double-decker buses in IMAX: The Ronson Theatre, visit the museum after-hours during adults-only Lates, or spend the night at the museum for Astronights, enchanting children sleepovers.

How long does the Science Museum take?

You are welcome to explore the museum for as long as you would like, but an average visit takes around two hours. 

Is it free to enter the Science Museum London?

Entry to the museum is free, but pre-booking is required.

Charges apply for Wonderlab, Power Up, movies at IMAX: The Ronson Theatre and some special exhibitions and events. Family discounts and concessions are also available.

Do I need to book tickets to the Science Museum?

All visitors are required to pre-book a free ticket to the Science Museum for their visit. You can book these tickets online. If you’re unable to book via the website, you can do so by calling the Science Museum Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058 or emailing them at [email protected]. 

When is the Science Museum open?

The Science Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Last entry is 5.15pm. Galleries start to close 30 minutes before the museum closes. 

Over the Christmas period, the museum is closed from December 24 to December 26.

Where is the Science Museum in London?

The Science Museum is located on Exhibition Road, in South Kensington, in London, and only a couple minutes’ walk from its neighbouring museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National History Museum. 

How to get to the Science Museum in London

You can get to the Science Museum by Tube, bus, bike and car.

• Tube – The South Kensington station, running on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, is approximately a five-minute walk from the Museum. Gloucester Road Station running on the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, is within 14 minutes’ walk from the Museum. Please note that there is very limited step-free access across these stations. The nearest step free station is Earl’s Court station, which is within a 25-minute walk from the museum.
• Buses – The South Kensington Underground Station serving bus routes 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430 and C1, which are all close to the Science Museum. 
  Bus routes 9, 10, 52, 452 and 70 stop outside the Royal Albert Hall on Kensington Gore.
• Bike – Santander Cycle docking stations are available on Exhibition Road, just outside the V&A South Kensington and the National History Museum (next door to the Science Museum), and on Thurloe Place near South Kensington Tube station. 
• Car and parking – There is pay and display car parking near the Museum on Prince Consort Road and Queen’s Gate. Please note that visitor parking is not available on Exhibition Road and local parking sites are also very limited. There are a few accessible parking spaces available on Exhibition Road. Blue badge holders can park in these spaces for four hours between 8.30am and 6.30pm. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have more information about parking near the museum.

Can I get food at the Science Museum?

There are several cafés and picnic areas located in the Science Museum. You can pre-order your lunch and collect your order from the designated collection point in the Energy Café during your visit.

You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, which you can enjoy in one of the dedicated picnic areas. These can be found on level -1 and level 3.

On arrival, please speak to a member of staff to find out which cafés are open during your visit.

Is the Science Museum suitable for kids?

The Science Museum has interactive, multi-sensory areas for children to discover science through play. Teenagers can enjoy hands on exhibits while events aimed at kids of all ages are held regularly at the Museum.