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Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge

4.6

#6 of 11 in Museums in Cambridge

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is a Museum attached to the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, which houses an extensive collection of scientific instruments, apparatus, models, pictures, prints, photographs, books and other material related to the history of science. It is located in the former Perse School on Free School Lane, and was founded in 1944, when Robert Whipple presented his collection of scientific instruments to the University of Cambridge. The Museum's collection is 'designated' by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) as being of "national and international importance".The Museum is one of eight museums in the University of Cambridge Museums consortium.Department of History and Philosophy of ScienceThe Museum forms part of the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, University of Cambridge. The Department includes a working library with a large collection of early scientific books, some of which were given by Robert Whipple. The Museum plays an important part in the Department's teaching and research.CollectionsThe museum's holdings are particularly strong in material dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, especially objects produced by English instrument makers, although the collection contains objects dating from the medieval period to the present day. Instruments of astronomy, navigation, surveying, drawing and calculating are well represented, as are sundials, mathematical instruments and early electrical apparatus.

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Whipple Museum of the History of Science Reviews

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73 reviews

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By east-anglia W On March 27, 2018

Having worked in a scientific discipline for about nine years, I felt really absorbed by the things that had done and how that had completed it. It feels very much part of what has happened in Cambrid... more »
By Iorweth On December 31, 2017

Tells a great tale of the fashions in pre-modern scientific research using scientific artefacts of the eras. It really gives you a feel for the development of science through the ages and also on how ... more »
By Northern_Ibis On November 29, 2017

The Whipple Museum was the place I most wanted to visit at Cambridge University. Admission is free. It's a bit hard to find because it is on a small lane and the entrance is inconspicuous. The recepti... more »

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By Marion Darnell On May 8, 2018

Very interesting with a large variety of exhibits. Enjoyed the Victorian parlour games on a wet day. Well worth a donation

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By Wasim Mustafa On May 3, 2018

It's a museum. You can visit. If you're really looking at ratings for a small museum for HPS what are you doing?

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By Felicity On November 20, 2017

Great wee museum with many items related but not limited to astronomy, measurement and calculation. 3 rooms downstairs, one area apparently in the process of becoming more child-focused. Upstairs a room of globes and small area, in need of some attention, fitted out as a Victorian parlour for an intellectual family. Odd receptionist who said there were no children's trails at present. I later found a stand of several of them (trail bags) covering several different topics not two feet from the reception desk. Fun, innovative. distinctly quirky, book on that desk available for reference and purchase: 'Astronomouse', a children's book on the founding and building of the Greenwich observatory. Written by an academic, clearly, with much accurate detail, down to the minor clerks involved, but delightful.

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By garnet moore On March 8, 2018

If you only go to one museum at the University of Cambridge this should be the one. The history of the museum, the artefacts presented, and the thoughtful curation are all supremely enjoyable. Do not miss the calculator collection. As mundane as it seems now it will be immensely valuable and interesting in several decades.

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By Sophie de Ville On February 9, 2018

Superb collection of items that changed the face of the earth as we know it today! Go and marvel at items, hundreds of years old,that lead to the human developments and natural discoveries of this planet and others!

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Sunday	Closed
Monday	12:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday	12:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday	12:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday	12:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday	12:30pm - 4:30pm
Saturday	Closed

Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge

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