Collections
The History of Science Museum contains an internationally important collection of scientific objects, but only about one fifth of the collection is on permanent public display.
Regular Special Exhibitions often showcase objects normally in store. The Collections database contains detailed information on over 30,000 objects, manuscripts, and other archives, many of them photographed. Members of the public can, where appropriate, make research visits to view objects.
Collections at a glance
Collections areas
Collections areas
Library and archive
Library and archive
Conservation
Searching our databases
Collections Online
Collections Online
Library online
Library online
Manuscripts listing online
Manuscripts listing online
Research visits and loans
Research visits
Research visits
Loans
Loans
Our highlights
Armillary sphere
Armillary sphere
Blackboard used by Albert Einstein
Blackboard used by Albert Einstein
Diptych sundial and portrait of Lewis Evans
Diptych sundial and portrait of Lewis Evans
Geared astrolabe
Geared astrolabe
Lewis Carroll's photographic equipment
Lewis Carroll's photographic equipment
Marble copy of John Dee's Holy Table
Marble copy of John Dee's Holy Table
Moon pastel and Selenographia
Moon pastel and Selenographia
Moseley's X-ray spectrometer and his mother's pocket diary
Moseley's X-ray spectrometer and his mother's pocket diary
Original penicillin culture and specimen
Original penicillin culture and specimen
Roman vertical disc sundial
Roman vertical disc sundial
Spherical astrolabe
Spherical astrolabe
Wimshurst twin plate electrostatic machine and X-ray material