History of Science Museum

About

Housed in the Old Ashmolean Building on Broad Street, the History of Science Museum in Oxford is the world’s oldest surviving purpose‑built museum, opened in 1683 to showcase Elias Ashmole’s collection. Today it holds one of the finest collections of scientific instruments, spanning the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including astrolabes, globes, microscopes, and the famous blackboard used by Albert Einstein during a 1931 lecture in Oxford. Originally conceived as a centre for the “new learning” of the 17th century, it once hosted experiments in its basement laboratory and lectures in its upper rooms. The Grade I‑listed building itself is a masterpiece of early museum architecture, with a façade adorned by busts of Roman emperors. Free to enter, the museum offers exhibitions, events, and educational programmes that explore the history of science and its impact on society, inviting visitors to engage with centuries of human curiosity, discovery, and innovation in an intimate and atmospheric setting.

Oxford United Kingdom

Location

The History of Science Museum is located on Broad Street in Oxford, with the postcode OX1 3AZ. Housed in the world’s oldest surviving purpose-built museum building, the Old Ashmolean, the museum features an unparalleled collection of scientific instruments from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Its exhibits include astrolabes, sundials, early telescopes, and even Albert Einstein’s blackboard used during a lecture in Oxford. Situated in the heart of historic Oxford, the museum neighbors prestigious landmarks such as the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library, and several colleges of the University of Oxford. Visitors can also enjoy nearby cultural spots like the Ashmolean Museum and the University Parks. Broad Street is a vibrant area, offering cafes, shops, and other attractions, providing a rich cultural context for the museum experience.