The Science Museum in London has opened its new free Space gallery, which showcases iconic objects from space and new technologies.
In the new Space gallery, which has replaced the former Exploring Space gallery, guests can learn about space exploration and view space sector innovations.
New technologies from the UK space sector on view include prototype propulsion technology by Magdrive, and international innovations on display include the ‘rolly-polly’ Moon rover, the first and only collaboration between a space agency (JAXA) and a toy company (Takara Tomy).
As for objects, Space is displaying a three billion-year-old piece of the Moon, as well as the spacecraft that carried astronaut Tim Peake, and the space suit worn by the first British astronaut Helen Sharman.
Additionally, for the first time, the Soyuz descent module and the Apollo 10 command module are on view alongside each other.
The new gallery also features a larger-than-life Moonscape, taken from a photograph captured by the Apollo 17 crew, which stretches 20 metres along the gallery wall.
Space-themed activities at Science Museum
Abbie MacKinnon, lead curator of the Space gallery at the Science Museum, said: “I have no doubt that the fascinating objects and stories in our new Space gallery will enthral visitors of all ages, from the historic Apollo 10 spacecraft which carried astronauts to the Moon to the people developing novel space technologies in the UK today.”
To mark the opening of the Space gallery, the Science Museum offered a weekend of free space-themed activities.
Also, guests can watch and take part in science demonstrations and live experiments in The Space Show, which will take place every weekend and daily during school holidays until 5 January 2026.
Plus, guests can enjoy the museum‘s space film season in IMAX: The Ronson Theatre, with evening screenings of Apollo 13, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Interstellar, and more on offer from today (22 September).
More space-themed experiences include a weekend of activities during World Space Week next month, and the ‘Astronights’ sleepover experience through December.
Ian Blatchford, director and chief executive of the Science Museum Group, said: “As a species, we’ve always looked to the stars. I have no doubt that the wonders of space we showcase in our new gallery will inspire and thrill a new generation of visitors.
“Whether you’re fascinated by the engineering behind space exploration, inspired by stories of space pioneers, or simply curious about the planets, Space invites you to delve into humanity’s greatest adventure.”
Images courtesy of the Science Museum
