DK Travel : London : Science Museum

Science Museum

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Packed with exciting hands-on exhibits, this huge museum explores the fascinating world of science through centuries of scientific and technological development. It shows British inventiveness leading the world in the Industrial Revolution, with spinning looms and steam engines, navigation and early flight. It also has displays on contemporary science and cutting-edge technologies, with numerous interactive exhibits in the hi-tech Wellcome Wing.
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Top 10 Exhibits

1. SimEx Sim Rides

1. SimEx Sim Rides

These rides are 20-minute science-themed adventures aboard a state-of-the-art motion simulator. Film projection and digital sound are used to create a multisensory environment.
2. The Secret Life of the Home

This gallery contains a wacky variety of household gadgets and gizmos, from washing machines to burglar alarms.
3. Apollo 10 Command Module

3. Apollo 10 Command Module

The Apollo 10 Command Module, which went around the moon in May 1969, is on display, as is a replica of the Apollo 11 Lunar Lander. Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon from the original in July 1969.
4. Harle Sykes Red Mill Engine

4. Harle Sykes Red Mill Engine

This immaculate steam engine can sometimes be seen up and running. It’s just one exhibit in the East Hall’s Power gallery, which includes one of James Watt’s original 1788 rotative steam engines.
5. Puffing Billy

5. Puffing Billy

Puffing Billy is the world’s oldest remaining steam locomotive. It was built in England in 1813 and used to transport coal. George Stephenson’s famous 1829Rocket, the first locomotive engine to pull passenger carriages, is also on display.
6. Babbage’s Difference Engine

The computing and mathematics galleries on the second floor display a model of the Difference Engine No 2. Designed by Charles Babbage (1791–1871), it was the forerunner of the modern computer.
7. Dish of E. coli

Health Matters is a multimedia look at medicine. Aids, cancer and heart disease are reviewed, by patients, doctors and alternative practitioners. Take a look atE. coli bacteria, a modern killer.
8. On Air

8. On Air

A radio and sound studio on the third floor houses all the equipment used in broadcasting. Using computers, children over 12 can mix sounds and play them back.
9. IMAX Cinema

The cinema shows 2D and 3D films on a screen higher than four double-decker buses. An impressive six-channel surround sound system will totally immerse you in the action.
10. Digitopolis

This futuristic gallery in the Wellcome Wing looks at digital sound and vision. Networking People shows how digital networks can be used in our daily lives. Artificial intelligence is also explored.

Practical Information

There is a restaurant, several cafés and a picnic area where you can eat your own food. Visitor information touch screens throughout the museum give details of exhibits. The bookshop is an excellent place to buy innovative gifts. Exhibition Road SW7 0870 870 4868 www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Open 10am–6pm daily Free(separate charge for SimEx Sim Rides and IMAX cinema)

Reviews

simonm

An absolutely fantastic experience for familys, when I was young and went to the science museum i was bored stupid, now it has re-invented itself. Be sure to take your kids to the 'Launchpad' area, here you'll find lots of hands on activities that your children will love (And they'll learn from it too, dont tell them that though!). I have to say I learned a fair amount aswel and there are some fascinating exhibits. My only gripe is the food and drink was rather pricey but take into account the free entry to the museum and its not so bad. overall, a 5 star attraction for families.

about a year ago

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