About Science Museum
On Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the Science Museum holds 300,000 historic objects illustrating science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.
Founded in 1857, Science Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 169 years. Today it draws approximately 3,300,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited science & industry museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 30,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Science Museum ranks #42
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #42, Science Museum is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Science Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Stephenson's Rocket
- ◆Apollo 10 Command Module
- ◆Information Age gallery
- ◆Wellcome Galleries: Medicine
- ◆IMAX cinema
- ◆Mathematics: The Winton Gallery (Zaha Hadid)
Recognition & awards
Science Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Science Museum is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.4978°N, -0.1745°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Science Museum
Science Museum was established in 1857, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 3,300,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important science & industry museums in the Europe region.
Other top science & industry museums
If you enjoy science & industry museums like Science Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #27Smithsonian National Air and Space MuseumWashington, United States
- #43Deutsches MuseumMunich, Germany
- #62Cité des Sciences et de l'IndustrieParis, France
- #97MUSE – Museo delle ScienzeTrento, Italy
- #109Museum of Science and IndustryChicago, United States
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Science Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
- #155Churchill War Rooms🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Science Museum?
Daily 10:00–18:00. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Science Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Science Museum located?
Science Museum is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.4978°, -0.1745°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Science Museum known for?
Three centuries of scientific innovation. Key highlights include Stephenson's Rocket, Apollo 10 Command Module, Information Age gallery. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 30,000 reviews.
How many people visit Science Museum each year?
Science Museum receives approximately 3,300,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was Science Museum founded?
Science Museum was founded in 1857, making it 169 years old. It is categorised as a science & industry museum in our directory.
