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The Science Museum, London

The Science Museum in London has a collection spread over seven floors portraying scientific, technological and medical change since the eighteenth century. The museum has an unrivalled collection relating to the Industrial Revolution. Many exhibits are interactive. There are drama shows, IMAX cinema presentations and talks.

During my visit I found the area devoted to the future very affecting. There were a couple of interactive television screens inviting visitors to comment on a range of topics related to future developments; you could give your views on men having babies for example! There were also two circular interactive displays, once again posing ethical questions related to future developments and inviting replies. Apart from these displays there was nothing to see. The overriding feeling was of an empty space. The rest of the Museum was full of objects, from trains, cars, and spaceships, to farming equipment, diving suits, and telephone boxes: I saw a lunar module, which I recalled from grainy 1960s and 70s television pictures. Things that I thought of as the future were now the past. But the "In Future" gallery was fittingly empty. There was nothing yet to fill it up.

I recalled visiting the Science Museum as a child, turning handles to make model engines whirr around in glass cases. Now standing in the In Future gallery I found myself drawn to the circular interactive, touch sensitive displays. The future is unknown, but there is always a sense in which life follows cycles, the cycle of days, seasons and years. Questions about the future were flying around another enormous circular display which hung in the central atrium of the museum, which can be seen in the picture above. Rather than history moving on in a straight line, it seems to roll into the future. The wheels on Puffing Billy, the oldest surviving steam locomotive, and the wheels on the Lunar Rover, both of which can be seen at the Science Museum, are basically the same. Such thoughts went through my mind as I stood in the half light of the In Future gallery and pondered on whether it would be a good idea to let men have babies. I went home and asked my wife about this. She thought men having babies was most unwise.

Opening Times: The Science Museum is open every day from 10am until 6pm, except for the period 24th - 26th December.

Directions:The museum is located in Exhibition Road, London. Car parking is limited to metered parking spaces along Exhibition Road. There are some car parks in the area but space is limited and prices are high. Coming in by public transport is recommended. The nearest Underground station is South Kensington. Check the web site for up to date bus numbers. Click here for an interactive map centred on the Science Museum.

Access: there are twelve orange badge car parking spaces in Exhibition Road. If no parking spaces are available on arrival ask the staff at the entrance to the Museum for assistance. Wheelchair access to the building is good, with ramps, lifts and adapted toilet facilities. There is a Personal Guide scheme which offers disabled people a personal two hour tour of the galleries. This service is available on weekdays only, and it is best to book ahead. The service cannot be guaranteed for people arriving on the day.

Contact:

Minicom line: 020 7942 4445

Disabled persons help line: 020 7942 4446

Group visits: 020 7942 4777

Information Desk: 020 7942 4455/4454

Web site: www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

 

 

Whilst in London why not enjoy a visit to one of the many wonderful musical theatre shows or plays available.