About us

The Science Museum was founded in 1857 as part of the South Kensington Museum, and gained independence in 1909. Today the Museum is world renowned for its historic collections, awe-inspiring galleries and inspirational exhibitions

Telephones on racking at Blythe House

Visit the Museum

Exterior of the Science Museum

We are open 10am - 6pm (last entry 5.15pm) every day except 24 to 26 Dec. Entry is free!

Director

The Director of the National Museum of Science and Industry (NMSI) and the Science Museum is Ian Blatchford.

Museum Awards

launchpad

Check out some of the awards that the Museum has won.

Support us

The Science Museum relies on supporters to help fund our core activities.

Collections

Babbage Difference Engine Number 1

We have hundreds of thousands of objects in our collection, from aircraft to microchips.

Museum History

Construction of the East Block, Science Museum, London, 9 May 1919

The Science Museum was founded in 1857 as part of the South Kensington Museum, and gained independence in 1909.

Library and Archives

London Library

The Science Museum library specialises in the history and biography of science and technology.

Facts and figures

Exterior of the Science Museum

We welcome over 2.7 million visitors every year... Find out more facts and figures.