Planning your visit
Groups are welcome to visit the museum.
Advance booking is essential and you can find out more on our Groups page.
School groups are welcome to visit the museum.
Advance booking is essential and you can find out more on our learning page.
The Science Museum is easily accessible by walking or cycling and you can visit the TfL website for more information on walking and cycling routes within London.
You can also refer to the Transport for London (TfL) website to plan your journey.
Booking free museum admission tickets
We now ask all visitors to pre-book a free ticket to the museum for their visit. You can book these tickets online.
If you’re unable to book via our website, you can do so by calling our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058.
Wecan’tguarantee that tickets will be available on theday,particularly during busy periods, so we recommend you book tickets onlineor via the booking team on 033 0058 0058.
You will receive your tickets by email which you will need to bring with along with you, either on a mobile device or as a print-out. As part of our commitment to sustainability we are asking that you avoid printing tickets where possible.
The tickets will have a barcode that will be scanned by a contactless scanner on arrival at the museum.
If you are unable to find the email, you can log into your accounton a mobile device and access your tickets from there.If you don’t have an account, please speak to our Contact Centre on033 0058 0058.
We will do our best to accommodate latecomers, however if we’ve reached capacity for the time slot thatyou havebooked, you will be asked to wait until the next available timeslot or book again for another time.
Yes.You need to book free general admission tickets to the museum as well asa separate ticketfor exhibitions or experiences.
When choosing your timeslot, we advise visitors toallow enough time to reach the exhibition or experience after you enter the museum.Please allow at least 15 minutes to reachWonderlabor the IMAX cinemafrom the entrance.
Yes, you can leave the museum and re-enter on the same day by showing your e-tickets to our staff at the main entrance.
Our phone lines are very busy so pleasesubmit a return request for free ticketsup until 08.30 on the day of your visit. You are welcome to book new tickets for another day online.
Please note that donations, including those made as part of your booking, are non-refundable. Your support large or small will make a huge difference—thank you.
If you would like to move your paid tickets to a different day please call our Contact Centre on 033 0058 0058.Our phone lines can get very busy, so please bear with us.
If you would be happy to donate the value of your tickets to the museum, please emailour Contact Centre atinfo@ScienceMuseumGroup.ac.ukwith your name and order number.
Please note that donations, including those made as part of your booking, are non-refundable. Your support large or small will make a huge difference—thank you.
Offering free admission tickets allows us manage the number of visitors in the museum and provide everyone with an enjoyable day out. We would encourage you to Login or create a new account so that we can email you with helpful information in advance of your visit. You can read our Privacy Policy here.
Wecan’tguarantee that tickets will be available on theday, however, you can still enter the museum when we are not at capacity, without providing any personal data or having a pre-booked ticket.
Your visit
Please book free tickets and an arrival slotin advanceonlineto help us manage the number of people who visit each day.
You are welcome to stay in the museumas long asyou like, but an average visit lasts aroundtwohours.
The Science Museum is committed to looking out for the health and safety of its visitors.
We would therefore ask that visitors continue to protect themselves and each other by maintaining their distance while exploring the museum or queuing.
We have also taken reasonable steps to provide adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.
In line with government guidance, face coverings are not mandatory, but visitors are welcome to wear one if they’d prefer to do so.
If you or one of your party starts to feel unwell whilst visiting the museum, please let a member of staff know so they can then support you by following our first aid procedure.
Accessibility
Please visit our Accessibility page for more information about facilities and who to contact if you would like to know more.
Contact us
If you can't find the answer to your question please get in touch.
As an expert in museum visitation logistics and protocols, I can confidently guide you through the comprehensive information provided in the article about planning your visit to the Science Museum. My expertise stems from an in-depth understanding of museum operations, visitor experiences, and the intricacies of managing large groups in cultural institutions.
Booking Procedures:
- The article emphasizes the importance of advance booking for both general visits and group or school trips. This is a common practice in major museums to ensure a smooth and organized flow of visitors.
- The mention of the necessity of booking free admission tickets online or through the Contact Centre, with a barcode for contactless scanning, demonstrates the museum's commitment to modern ticketing systems and efficiency.
- It's noteworthy that the museum encourages online booking to avoid printing tickets, aligning with sustainability practices.
Time Management and Admission to Exhibitions:
- Visitors are advised to allocate sufficient time, especially when booking a timeslot, to reach specific exhibitions or experiences within the museum, such as Wonderlab or the IMAX cinema.
- The flexibility for visitors to leave and re-enter on the same day by showing their e-tickets adds convenience and accommodates those who might want to explore the surrounding area or take breaks.
Ticket Policies and Support:
- The article provides clear instructions on how to handle ticket-related issues, including late arrivals and requests for returns. The emphasis on non-refundable donations indicates the museum's reliance on visitor support for its operations.
- Offering alternatives like moving paid tickets to a different day or donating the ticket value shows a commitment to customer service and engagement.
Visitor Guidelines:
- The Science Museum prioritizes visitor safety and health, as indicated by the encouragement to maintain social distancing, the provision of adequate ventilation, and the option to wear face coverings, even though they are not mandatory.
- The mention of first aid procedures for unwell visitors underscores the museum's dedication to the well-being of its guests.
Accessibility and Contact Information:
- The article includes a section on accessibility, directing visitors to more information about facilities and whom to contact for further assistance. This highlights the museum's commitment to inclusivity and accommodating diverse needs.
- Contact information is provided, recognizing the importance of addressing any visitor queries or concerns promptly.
In conclusion, the Science Museum's comprehensive guide reflects a commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and accessibility. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.
