History of Science Museum Reviews Summary

Accessibility

Pros:

• "The downstairs layer is wheelchair accessible and very interesting as it's stockpiled with historical items."
• "This museum was very accommodating of my assistance dog, which I appreciated so much."
• "Its conveniently located in the middle of Oxford within walking distance of the high street."
• "Is child friendly - they have tick sheets for children, who get a sticker at the end."
• "The building itself is beautiful."
• "The team who work here are great from the front door to the gift shop."
• "The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable."

Cons:

• "I took off a star because the top floor isn't wheelchair accessible, as there's no lift."
• "We do not have toilet facilities available in the Museum."
• "Lift assisting disabled users still not working."
• "Steep stairs and no lift. If you can't climb stairs this is not a good place to visit."
• "Child UNfriendly, probably a good day out for older people but not for children or anyone with pushchairs."
• "Not one for younger children."
• "The very knowledgeable staff, with a special mention to the gentleman of a certain age who is a fan of 'Juste Fontaine', very friendly, knowledgeable, and funny!"

Exhibits and Collection

Pros:

• "Interesting exhibits including Einstein's blackboard."
• "The astrolabes are a must-see and they have lots of antique Islamic pieces."
• "Great if you are into physics based science history as this is what the museum is geared towards."
• "You could easily spend 2-3 hours in here."
• "Lots of amazing scientific things to look at and learn about all the fascinating people involved in making discoveries that shaped the way we live now."
• "Astonishing exhibits, atmospheric surroundings."
• "The museum also houses early chemical apparatus, watches and clocks, medical instruments, and the finest collection of European and Islamic astrolabes in the world."

Cons:

• "Great exhibits but desperately dull. Not enough explanations of how they worked."
• "A rather jumbled and tight collection of old scientific and engineering equipment."
• "It does not do a great job explaining what many of the tools actually are."
• "Disappointing, as everything is in glass cases. No explanations, demonstrations, videos, hands-on."
• "Interesting historical exhibits but no real explanation of how this huge collection of astrolabes worked ie video or a hands on version."
• "The collection was very narrow in the sciences it covered."
• "Very little chemistry mostly just astronomy, maths and surveying."

Value and Experience

Pros:

• "It's free to enter!"
• "Well worth a visit!"
• "For a free to visit attraction, although fairly small, it doesn't fail to amaze."
• "Definitely worth a visit. Stimulating the imagination and encouraging to explore the history of science."
• "Admission is free. One can make a donation to the museum."
• "Free entry with optional donation, so worth popping in to take a look."
• "Interesting museum in particular for adults interested in the history of science or fans of Philip Pulman's His Dark Materials."

Cons:

• "Short walk around and you'll be done."
• "We spent about 20min in there."
• "As a museum experience it's ok but I'm not sure what I expected and left after 15minutes."
• "You have to be into this stuff for it to be really interesting."
• "Parking is expensive around this area, better to use public transport."
• "No charge but a recommended donation."
• "Not worth a long trip, unless you are looking to look at specific old scientific instruments, only 3-4 rooms in the museum."