165 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5HD, United Kingdom
Dana Research Centre and Library
Museum & collection
Place photograph
2.5
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Quiet
Feel
Why it's Wildland
2.5Behind the Dana Centre’s contemporary frontage is a working research library connected to the Science Museum. Its shelves and collections focus on the history of science, with research and public-history work brought together under one roof.
This is a specialist London discovery rather than a nature destination: its appeal lies in the quieter, research-focused side of the Science Museum, including open-shelf history-of-science books and access to selected collection material. It is best suited to visitors with a specific interest, and access should be confirmed before making a special trip.
Quiet
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Open map165 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5HD, United Kingdom
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The experience
A short, focused visit may suit readers and researchers interested in the history of science. The source describes open-shelf holdings and access to selected archives and collection items; confirm public access and arrangements in advance.
Things to do
Explore the history-of-science shelves
The supplied research source describes approximately 5,500 open-shelf volumes focused on the history of science. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
30–60 minutes
Enquire about selected collection material
Selected archives and collection items may be available by arrangement, including material on scientific instruments. Contact the centre ahead of time to check availability and access.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A focused library visit
- 01
Check public access and any reader or collection-material arrangements before travelling.
- 02
Visit the library for a focused look at its history-of-science holdings.
- 03
Ask in advance whether selected archive or collection items can be made available.
Verified history
The former Science Museum library reopened as the Dana Research Centre and Library in 2015. The centre brought together the museum’s Research and Public History Department with library and archive collections. A supplied report says the library holds around 5,500 open-shelf volumes on the history of science, while selected archives and collection items can be made available from the museum’s facilities in Wroughton.
Hidden details
Selected archive material may be available by arrangement — The library’s everyday open-shelf holdings are only part of the story: selected archives and collection items, including works relating to scientific instruments, may be requested from the museum’s Wroughton facilities. Check availability before visiting.
When to go
· Check visitor access and opening arrangements before setting out.
The supplied material gives no seasonal reason to visit; access and opening arrangements are the main considerations.
An indoor research and library visit; confirm access and opening before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
Browse the open-shelf history-of-science holdings and ask whether selected archive or collection material can be consulted. Availability may depend on arrangements
- 02
check in advance.
The story
Science
Best time to go
Year-round, subject to visitor access and opening arrangements.
Check current opening and visitor arrangements before setting out. The source row lists Monday to Wednesday, 10am–4pm, but these hours are not independently confirmed by the supplied research sources.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Solo · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 10am-4pm
- Tuesday: 10am-4pm
- Wednesday: 10am-4pm
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A Science Museum research centre and library, described by a source as open to the public. Visitor access and current arrangements should be checked before travelling; it is primarily a research and library facility, not a conventional museum attraction.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet. Confirm current arrangements with the venue before visiting.
Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Dana Research Centre and Library
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances




