Dana Research Centre and Library
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
London
What it’s like
Free hands-on science galleries with experiments, retro video games and a space section, though you'll need to book tickets in advance.
This is the bit of the Science Museum where you're actually meant to touch things. Wonderlab has hands-on experiments and live demonstrations running through the day, Power Up lets the kids loose on video games and consoles spanning the last 50 years, and there's a space gallery with family shows and space-themed experiments alongside it. Five galleries in total have object handling desks, so it's not just look-don't-touch behind glass.
Entry is free, which is the main selling point, but you do need to book ahead. Groups without pre-booked tickets can only get in from 12:00 onwards, so turning up on spec in the morning is a gamble. The museum opens at 10.00 and closes at 18.00 daily, with last entry at 17.15, though the galleries themselves start shutting 30 minutes before that, which catches people out if they're saving Power Up for last.
Reckon on around two hours for a proper visit. There are three cafés plus a Shake Bar and picnic areas if you want to bring your own food, though packed lunches aren't allowed inside the cafés themselves. Access is generally good, with wheelchairs to borrow and a hearing loop, but the mezzanine levels in Making the Modern World and Flight galleries aren't step-free, which is worth knowing if that's the bit you're heading for.
Parking is the usual central London faff. There's Blue Badge parking on Exhibition Road, free for up to four hours, but you can't pre-book it. If you're bringing a bigger group, lockers on Level -1 are card only and not cheap for the day, though term-time weekday groups can get free storage instead.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 17.15
- Booking
- Free general admission tickets must be pre-booked
- Parking
- Blue Badge parking on Exhibition Road, free for up to 4 hours 08.30-18.30, cannot be pre-booked
- How long to allow
- Around two hours
- Food
- Three cafés (Energy Café, Space Café, Gallery Café), Shake Bar, and picnic areas
- Pushchairs
- Pushchair friendly. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchairs
- Manual wheelchairs available to borrow on the day or book in advance
- Dogs
- Working guide and assistance animals welcome
- Book your free tickets ahead, groups without one only get in from midday
- Galleries close half an hour before the museum, so don't leave the best bit for last
- Packed lunches aren't allowed in the cafés, but the picnic areas are fair game
- The Changing Places toilet is out of action 14-25 September 2026 for building works
- Lockers are card payment only, £3 to £7 depending on size
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
General admission is free, though some activities inside are charged separately. Groups get discounted rates on those paid activities.
Do we need to book?
Yes for free general admission tickets. Groups can turn up without booking but only get in from 12:00 onwards.
What time does it open and close?
Daily from 10.00 to 18.00, with last entry at 17.15. The galleries themselves start closing half an hour before the museum does.
How long should we plan for?
Around two hours covers a decent visit.
Is there anywhere to eat?
Three cafés, a Shake Bar, and picnic areas if you'd rather bring your own. You can't eat packed lunches in the cafés though.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
Wheelchairs are available to borrow on the day or in advance, and there's a hearing loop and accessible toilets. The mezzanine levels in Making the Modern World and Flight galleries don't have step-free access.
Is there parking?
Blue Badge parking is available on Exhibition Road, free for up to four hours between 08.30 and 18.30, but it can't be pre-booked.
Can we bring dogs?
Working guide and assistance animals are welcome as long as they're trained and kept securely with you.
Is there somewhere to store bags and coats?
Self-service lockers on Level -1 are card payment only, from £3 for a small locker. Term-time weekday groups can get free storage instead, first come first served.
When is the museum closed?
It shuts on 24, 25 and 26 December, plus all day on Wednesday 11 November 2026. On Thursday 26 November 2026 it closes early at 17.00.
How many adults do we need for a group with kids?
One adult per four children aged five and under, one per eight for ages five to eleven, one per ten for ages eleven to sixteen, and one per thirty for sixteen to eighteen.
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