If you’re after a quirky museum to while away half an hour this is perfect. With free entry and a cute little cafe, the Faraday Museum is a great place to learn about some amazing scientific discoveries in peace and quiet.
The Royal Institution
It was founded in 1799 to help teach the public about science through lectures and demonstrations. The Christmas Lectures in particular became famous world wide and are still going strong today.
Read more: Science online at The Royal Institution
Faraday Museum
Tucked away in the basement of the Royal Institution is a little known museum celebrating discoveries made by scientists who were part of the Royal Institute, most notably Michael Faraday, the museum’s namesake.
You will find displays of all the different equipment used in the experiments to discover the electric motor and generator for example.
Two laboratories are on view. One is a modern nanotech lab is a 1850s replica of Faraday’s magnetic lab.
It is not a large museum, but it is fascinating to visit the Royal Institution itself. I visited on a day a private event was taking place so could only visit the Faraday museum and café. Normally, you would be able to also see the theatre where the lectures and talks take place.
Top Tips
- Visit on the first Saturday of each month. There is a family talk in the theatre at 2pm and a lecture aimed more for adults at 7pm. The exhibitions are open from 1pm on these days.
- If you’re keen to visit, it might be worth ringing ahead to check all exhibitions are open. They do host private events and close some areas.
Read more: What’s On at The Royal Institution
Getting to The Royal Institution
It is a 5 minute walk from Green Park tube station. I walked the 10 minutes from Piccadilly Circus through The Burlington Arcade.
Read more: Best Apps to plan your journey through London
Opening Hours
The building is open every Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm but not on public holidays.
The cafe is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm.
On the first Saturday of each Month, the cafe is open from 12pm and the exhibitions open from 1pm.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor in the entrance hall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book a ticket to visit the Faraday Museum?
No, it is free entry and there is no need to book.
