Established in 1944, the museum was founded following a major donation from Robert Stewart Whipple, a Cambridge graduate and avid collector of scientific instruments. His extensive collection formed the basis of the museum, which now includes a fascinating range of objects that illustrate the development of science over centuries.
The museum is part of the University of Cambridge’s Department of History and Philosophy of Science and has since grown into one of the leading collections of scientific instruments and artefacts in the UK. It explores the history of science from the medieval period to the 20th century, with a focus on astronomy, mathematics, natural philosophy, and scientific discovery. The Whipple Museum provides an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, offering insights into how scientific knowledge and tools have shaped our understanding of the world.
What to See In This Museum
At the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, visitors can explore a wide range of fascinating scientific instruments, models, and artefacts. Highlights include historical telescopes, globes, and mathematical instruments, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection also features intricate orreries (models of the solar system), early microscopes, and astrolabes used for astronomical measurements.
The museum offers interactive displays and exhibits that bring the history of scientific discovery to life, from early experiments in physics and chemistry to breakthroughs in astronomy. Visitors can also explore unique teaching instruments from Cambridge’s academic history and models that illustrate various scientific principles.
Temporary exhibitions and special displays often feature rare or newly discovered items from the museum’s vast collection, offering new perspectives on the history of science and innovation.
How to Get There
The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is located on Free School Lane, right in the centre of Cambridge. It is easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Cambridge Station is about a 20-minute walk from the museum, or visitors can take a bus from the station into the city centre.
Several local bus routes, such as the Citi 1 and Citi 3, stop nearby. If driving, parking in central Cambridge can be challenging, so it’s recommended to use one of the city’s park-and-ride services. The museum is also easily reached by bicycle, with parking facilities for bikes available nearby.
