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History of Science Museum

Discover. Connect. Inspire.

The history of science through objects.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 5pm.

Entry is free, please donate £5.

The lift is currently out of order. We will have this fixed as soon as possible. Please call us on 01865 277293 for more information.

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The History of Science Museum houses the world's finest collection of early scientific instruments from Europe and the Islamic World, including sundials and astrolabes of extraordinary beauty.

More modern objects include microscopes, scientific models, photographic and wireless equipment – and a blackboard still bearing calculations by Albert Einstein.

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Consider making a donation to the Museum

The History of Science Museum is a charity and free to enter. We rely on supporters and donors to maintain the historic building, conserve collections and maintain a lively raft of programmes for the public.

Portraying the Moon

This enormous depiction of the moon, over 5ft in diameter, was completed in 1795 by the celebrated portrait artist John Russell (1745–1806).

Russell was particularly noted for his skill in pastel and made his own crayons, achieving a variety of nuanced colours by blending just 14 pigments. While portraits dominated his public work, Russell’s private efforts were dedicated to systematic astronomical sketches of the moon over a 30-year period

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History of Science Museum

Consider making a donation to the Museum

Object of the month

Portraying the Moon

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Browse products from our shop

Book: Director's Choice

Sundial Magnet

A5 Journal, Astrolabe