The Observatory Science Centre & Museum

About

The Observatory Science Centre & Museum is one of the country's leading interactive science centres…

This unique attraction opened in 1995 with the vision to establish a place where people could explore, discover and learn for themselves. Sir Patrick Moore jubilantly declared that the Observatory had been ‘Saved for Science’.

It has gone from strength to strength celebrating spectacular science and discovery amongst the iconic domes and telescopes in the former home of The Royal Greenwich Observatory. The restoration of the Grade II* Listed building and historic telescopes has been described as a ‘labour of love unfolding in the Sussex countryside’

The Observatory Science Centre is for everyone:

With over 100 interactive science exhibits, there’s no shortage of indoor entertainment to keep the family busy. Our indoor galleries including ‘Earth & Beyond’, ‘Light & Colour’ and ‘Forces’ are permanent features here at the Observatory. We also have travelling exhibitions which change throughout the year – so there’s always something new to discover.

Or need some fresh air – why not head outside to the Discovery Park? A ‘Science Playground’ of large-scale interactive exhibits designed to help you explore themes of force, movement, genetics and sound, in a way that is always fully ‘hands-on’, and sometimes ‘feet-on’ too!

Ready for something different? The water play areas let you explore the fascinating world of water and how we use it. Build dams, explore water pressure, and create locks and canals for our resident rubber ducks.

All our exhibits are included in the cost of your day ticket.

The Observatory Science Centre & Museum isn’t just about learning through play. A grade II* listed site, we also have an amazing history of global scientific significance. As the former home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, our historic telescopes aren’t only visually impressive – they’re real astronomy heavyweights. Our telescope tours, included in the cost of your day ticket, will tell you more. 

Stargazing Evenings and evening special events at the Observatory are the best way to experience the natural wonders of the night sky. It may be the moon or the planets or it may be deeper sky objects; looking through a telescope is awe inspiring!

Our astronomy team will guide your through the stars using our historic telescopes – or if the weather is poor, we’ll provide a unique planetarium experience, talks on the night sky and the opportunity to chat to astronomy experts. 

Further Information:

The Observatory Science Centre and Museum is part of Science Projects. A charity dedicated to the promotion of science for everyone. As well as operating the Observatory Science Centre and Museum at Herstmonceux, we also have a design build studio in Hampshire where we make interactive science exhibits for science museums all over the world.

Visit the website for more information.