History of Science Museum Tour

Explore 500 years of scientific discovery in this specialist tour of Oxford's overlooked science museum, housed in the Ashmolean building's old gallery. The collection includes Einstein's actual blackboard, astrolabes, telescopes, and antique surgical instruments. Tours are booked by appointment only and provide deep technical context on instruments and discovery timelines. This appeals to science students and history nerds, not general tourists. Best for science enthusiasts and educators. This is a easy activity lasting 45 minutes. Group size: 2-8. You meet at Museum entrance on Broad Street. Key highlights: Einstein's original blackboard with chalk equations preserved behind glass, Working astrolabes and navigation instruments from the 1500s, Early telescopes and microscopes used in scientific discoveries.

Price: £5

Duration: 45 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-8

Minimum age: 10+

Best for: science enthusiasts and educators

Best time: Book Tuesday to Friday mornings for expert guides with more availability. Tours are by appointment only. Allow at least 1-2 weeks booking advance. Peak season (July-August) books months ahead.

Meeting point: Museum entrance on Broad Street

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

0-5 min Meet guide at museum entrance and enter exhibition space - Guide explains the three-floor layout and the day's tour focus (astronomy, medicine, or physics).

5-15 min Tour Renaissance-era scientific instruments and astrolabes - See working models of navigation instruments, planetary orreries, and early telescopes with explanations of use.

15-30 min Examine 18th and 19th-century scientific apparatus - View surgical instruments, early microscopes, chemistry flasks, and electrical apparatus from Europe's leading scientists.

30-42 min See Einstein's blackboard and 20th-century physics displays - The blackboard features Einstein's chalk equations and sits behind protective glass in a dedicated alcove.

42-45 min Q&A and museum conclusion - Guide answers detailed technical questions and recommends further reading or specific displays to examine independently.

The whole experience takes 45 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Museum entrance on Broad Street.

• Einstein's original blackboard with chalk equations preserved behind glass
• Working astrolabes and navigation instruments from the 1500s
• Early telescopes and microscopes used in scientific discoveries
• Surgical instruments and medical equipment spanning 300 years
• Original manuscripts and correspondence from famous scientists
• Accessibility: Ground and first floor are wheelchair accessible via lift. Upper floors may have limited access. Contact museum ahead to confirm accessibility accommodations.

What is included: Expert-led guided tour, Detailed commentary on scientific instruments, Museum floor access, Context on scientific discoveries.

Not included: Museum general admission (free but separate), Printed guides or materials, Photography (restrictions apply). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Notebook for notes on scientific terminology, Magnifying glass (optional, to examine fine instrument details), Comfortable shoes. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Book Tuesday to Friday mornings for expert guides with more availability. Tours are by appointment only. Allow at least 1-2 weeks booking advance. Peak season (July-August) books months ahead..

Tip: Free general admission

Tip: Tours by appointment only

Accessibility: Ground and first floor are wheelchair accessible via lift. Upper floors may have limited access. Contact museum ahead to confirm accessibility accommodations..

Operator: Museum of the History of Science | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 1865 277280

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bodleian Library (2 min walk)
• Ashmolean Museum (1 min walk)
• Covered Market (5 min walk)

This activity is run by Museum of the History of Science.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before booked tour. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Tours require advance booking - walk-ins are not accommodated..

Accessibility: Ground and first floor are wheelchair accessible via lift. Upper floors may have limited access. Contact museum ahead to confirm accessibility accommodations..

Best time to go: Book Tuesday to Friday mornings for expert guides with more availability. Tours are by appointment only. Allow at least 1-2 weeks booking advance. Peak season (July-August) books months ahead..

What makes the History of Science Museum different from the Ashmolean?

The History of Science Museum is small and specialist, focusing exclusively on scientific instruments and discovery. The Ashmolean is large with art, archaeology, and antiquities. The science museum is less crowded and appeals to students and technical enthusiasts rather than general visitors.

Can I see Einstein's blackboard up close or touch it?

The blackboard is displayed behind protective glass to preserve the chalk equations. You can view it from approximately one meter away. Photography is restricted to non-flash images. The tour guide explains the physics equations written on it.

How far in advance do I need to book the tour?

Tours require appointment booking only - no walk-in tours are available. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead. July and August book 4-6 weeks in advance. Winter months typically have more availability with shorter notice.