The Science Museum has over 300,000 objects in its care, with particular strengths in the history of western science, technology, and medicine since 1700. It has been uniquely placed to acquire objects recording the Industrial Revolution, and now holds unrivalled collections in this area. Medical artefacts from all periods and cultures also form an important part of its holdings. To find out more about the Museum’s collections, click here.

At the heart of object-based research carried out at the Museum is the exploration of the history of artefacts and of the contexts within which they have had meaning – in the past and today. Research into the composition and manufacture of artefacts is necessary to identify the best conditions for storage and display. For more about the Museum’s research, click here.