Whipple Museum of the History of Science
Whipple Museum of the History of Science
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, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. 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'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 andcalculating are well represented, as are sundials, mathematical instruments and early electrical apparatus.
Since Robert Whipple's initial gift of the collection, the Museum has come to house many instruments formerly used in the Colleges and Departments of the University of Cambridge.
You may find it useful to consult:
- Starry Messenger: an online history of astronomy.
- Guide to scientific instrument resources: although designed specifically for students within the University of Cambridge, this guide provides links to online instrument catalogues and suggestions for further reading.
Group Visits
Due to space considerations, groups are limited to 25 people at once or one school class per session (plus accompanying adults). Larger parties are required to split into two or more groups and visit the museum separately. Unfortunately we have no waiting areas available, but there are many nearby University museums that can be visited by groups while waiting for their turn. Please book visits to these museums in advance.