Planning your visit - your questions answered | History of Science Museum

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Book your free, timed ticket

Book your free, timed ticket

Booking is essential

Book your free, timed ticket online — go to: hsm.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit
We'll check your ticket on arrival, so bring it with you — either on a mobile device or printed out
1 ticket per person, so if you're coming with your carer, you'll need to book for them too
If you arrive late, have a word with our Visitor team — they may be able to book you into a spare slot
We collect information for the NHS Test and Trace programme in line with GDPR and our ticketing policy: https://www.glam.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy-ticketing

Group and private tours

Group bookings and private tours are temporarily suspended

We're not currently taking bookings for group or private tours, or for schools parties (not even provisional bookings)
We regularly review the latest Government advice and we'll update you when the situation changes

Enjoy a safe visit

Sanitise your hands

Hands

We've put hand-sanitiser stations throughout the Museum which you can use as often as you need
Please sanitise your hands when you enter the Museum, and before you move to another Gallery

Wear a face covering

Face

Please wear a face covering during your visit if you are aged 11+

Keep a safe distance

Space

Keep a 2-metre distance from any visitors who are not part of your household or social bubble
We're limiting the number of visitors in the Museum so you'll have space to relax and enjoy our ingenious objects
We're asking everyone to look out for each other and be considerate of visitors and staff

One-Way routes

One-way routes

You'll come in to the Entrance Gallery through the Sheldonian Yard (there will be signs on Broad Street to direct you)
There's signage throughout the Museum to help you explore and find your way around
Above all — relax and enjoy your visit

Please take photos (no flash)

Please take photos (no flash)

We'd love you to take photos to remember your visit (no flash photography)

COVID symptoms

If you're suffering from COVID symptoms

If you feel unwell — particularly if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 — please postpone your visit
It's easy to book another ticket when you're feeling better at hsm.ox.ac.uk/plan-your-visit

Facilities in the Museum

No Public Toilets

Toilets and cloakrooms; Food and drink

There are no public toilets available in the Museum
Cloakroom facilities are not available and we're asking visitors not to bring bulky bags, e.g. luggage or shopping, with them during their visit
We're not selling food and drink in the Museum; we're also asking visitors not to bring food or drink with them (with the exception of bottled water)

Access to the Museum

Access

We don't offer a public lift. If you have a mobility impairment and need level access, please book a dedicated ticket and our staff will arrange access for you
Only two people who are members of the same household or social bubble may use the lift at one time
We're unable to offer storage for buggies; the lift can only be used by visitors with impaired mobility needing level access
Visitors with buggies would need to carry them up the stairs at the Entrance
No pets are allowed apart from assistance dogs

Supporting your Museum

Museum Shop

Pick up a souvenir in the Museum Shop

Our Museum Shop is in the Basement Gallery
We're asking visitors to maintain social distancing when you're in the Shop, and when you're queuing

I want to support my Museum

I want to support my Museum

Your support means we can keep highlighting ingenious stories that spark curiosity for as many people as possible
We can't do it without you!

Need to know more?

If you have a question not covered in our FAQs, or you want to talk to one of our team before your visit, we're always happy to help:

Tel: +44 1865 277 293

Email: info@hsm.ox.ac.uk

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