History of Science Museum

The History of Science Museum is a captivating destination housed in the Old Ashmolean building, the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built public museum. Opened in 1683, this stunning stone structure on Broad Street holds an unrivalled collection of scientific instruments that chart the progress of human ingenuity. Visitors can marvel at the world’s most complete collection of astrolabes, intricate sundials, and early mathematical tools. The museum’s most famous resident is the blackboard used by Albert Einstein during his 1931 lectures in Oxford, still preserved with his chalked equations. From early cameras used by Lewis Carroll to pioneering medical apparatus, the galleries offer a profound look at the devices that helped us understand and navigate our universe.

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Was Sie erwartet

General admission to the museum is free, though a small donation is encouraged to help preserve the historic collections. As of 2026, the museum is typically open Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00. It is closed on Mondays and most bank holidays. You do not need to book a ticket in advance for individual entry, making it an ideal stop for a spontaneous afternoon of discovery. The building is divided into three atmospheric floors: the Top Gallery, the Entrance Gallery, and the Basement Gallery. While there are no public toilets or café facilities inside the museum itself, its central location means that a wide variety of local coffee shops and amenities are located just a few steps away on Broad Street.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Before you visit, be aware that the museum is located in a historic 17th-century building with many narrow corridors and steep stairs. There is currently limited lift access, which only reaches the basement gallery; those with mobility needs should contact the museum ahead of time to arrange the best possible experience. Photography is permitted for personal use, provided you do not use a flash. Because space is limited, the museum asks that visitors avoid bringing large items of luggage or bulky shopping bags, as there are no cloakroom or storage facilities available. It is also worth checking the museum’s website for the schedule of free volunteer-led tours, which typically take place on Thursday afternoons and Saturday lunchtimes.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The museum is situated in the heart of historic Oxford on Broad Street, nestled between the Sheldonian Theatre and Exeter College. From Oxford Train Station, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk through the city center. For those arriving by bus, several local and Park and Ride services stop at nearby Magdalen Street or Broad Street. If you are driving, it is highly recommended to use the city’s Park and Ride system, as central parking is extremely scarce and expensive. If you are already visiting other central landmarks like the Bodleian Library or the Bridge of Sighs, you are only a two-minute walk from the museum’s entrance, marked by the famous stone Emperor Heads.

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The museum tends to be quietest on weekday afternoons shortly after opening at 12:00. This is the perfect time to explore the intricate detail of the astrolabes without the bustle of larger groups. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days, especially during school holidays, when local families and walking tours frequent the galleries. If you are a fan of photography, visiting on a bright afternoon allows the natural light to illuminate the brass instruments beautifully. Because the museum is smaller and more focused than the main Ashmolean, most visitors find that 60 to 90 minutes is plenty of time to see the highlights, making it a perfect addition to a busy day of sightseeing.

History of Science Museum