Stop 1: The Mill Engine in Energy Hall
The first stop on our tour is right as you enter the museum in the Energy Hall, where you can trace the remarkable story of steam and how it shaped the world we live in today. Made in 1903, this large stationary steam engine was used to power a cotton mill in Burnley, Lancashire.
See it in action in the video below – or during one of your visits to the Science Museum in London.
Join the Science Museum’s Explainers for a fun and fascinating interactive live show, Bubble Explorers. Designed especially for young children and their families, watch bubbles drift, stretch and shimmer as little ones learn how they form, move and change. Filled with hands-on moments, surprising demonstrations, and plenty of chances to join in, this live show introduces early years’ audiences to science through curiosity and participation.
After enjoying the show, check out one of our family favourites and a must-visit for 3–6-year-olds, The Garden. Discover science through play in 4 exciting interactive areas – construction, water, light and sound. Plus, our friendly Explainers are on hand to answer any questions. Simply head down to level -1, the gallery is just opposite the Basement Café.
Stop 4: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
Our next stop is Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries. Here you can explore our relationship with medicine and health through interactive displays and step inside Gibson’s Victorian pharmacy, brought back to life through an immersive digital experience.
Stop 5: Flight
Love planes? We do too. Head up to the Flight gallery and discover the absorbing story of flight, from mankind’s earliest dreams of flight to the wide-body aeroplanes of today.
Where to eat
Cool off at the Shake Bar, where you can treat yourself to delicious made-to-order ice cream milkshakes or design your own ice cream tubs.
The Science Museum is open 10.00-18.00, seven days a week (last entry 17.15). Head to our website to pre-book your free tickets.
Free WiFi is available throughout the museum.