Visiting the History of Science Museum in Oxford

The museum was built in 1683 to house the collection of Elias Ashmole, functioning as the world's first purpose-built museum building that was also open to the public. Experiments in natural philosophy were conducted in a basement laboratory, while lectures took place in the School of Natural History on the middle floor.

Lewis Evans donated his extensive collection of historic scientific instruments to the university, forming the core of what would become the specialized institution. This event marked a shift toward the specific focus on the history of scientific instruments.

Following further donations of scientific artifacts, the museum officially changed its name to the Museum of the History of Science in 1935 to better reflect its growing academic scope and specialized collection.

Albert Einstein used this blackboard during his lectures at the University of Oxford on 16 May 1931. The object was later saved by university dons, including E. J. Bowen and Gavin de Beer, and it has since become one of the most iconic items in the museum's collection.

The institution was officially rebranded as the History of Science Museum in 2018, modernizing its identity while maintaining its status as a prominent repository for scientific history.

The museum joined the international Multaka project in 2019, collaborating with six other museums across Europe. This initiative provides guided tours for refugees and migrants, facilitating cross-cultural discussions about the history of scientific objects and cultural heritage.

The museum building, also known as the Old Ashmolean Building, holds a Grade I listing, representing the highest level of protection for buildings of exceptional historical and architectural interest. Additionally, the building's screen, featuring busts of Roman Emperors, carries its own separate Grade I listing.