Bournemouth Natural Science Society Museum

About the museum

The Bournemouth Natural Science Society was formed in 1903 to promote the study of all branches of science and natural history. Its collections cover many of the disciplines the society studies. Most were donated by members, and some pre-date the society; at times the society has also taken in items that might otherwise have been discarded by other museums.

In 1919 the society acquired its present premises at 39 Christchurch Road, a Grade II listed Victorian Italianate villa with a lecture hall and a south-facing garden. The building gave the society enough space to display its collections to the people of Bournemouth and the surrounding area. The museum is run by volunteers and the registered charity relies almost entirely on membership fees and donations to stay open, maintain the building and run its programme of talks and events.

The ground floor displays birds, mammals, shells, marine life, birds' eggs, some minerals, insects, moths and butterflies, and visitors may sometimes handle live insects, spiders and snakes. The first floor holds Egyptology, microscopy, botany, archaeology and exhibition rooms, and the geology department is in the basement. The society is also restoring the lantern roof of the building with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Highlights

• Birds, mammals, shells, marine life and birds’ eggs
• Insects, moths and butterflies
• Geology department in the basement
• Egyptology, microscopy, botany and archaeology rooms
• Garden with two wildlife ponds

Permanent exhibitions

• Natural history displays – Birds, mammals, shells, marine life, birds’ eggs, minerals, insects, moths and butterflies in the main museum room.
• Egyptology, microscopy, botany and archaeology – Specialist collection rooms on the first floor.
• Geology department – The society’s geology collection in the basement.

Founded

1912

Operated by

Bournemouth Natural Science Society

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

There is no charge for entry, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation. The society also offers membership.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The listed Victorian building may make access to all floors difficult. There are several steps to the front door; disabled access is through double doors on the left side of the building to the lecture theatre and toilets on the lower ground floor and, via a chair-lift, to the ground floor (phone in advance or on arrival). The main museum room and inner hall are on one level. The first-floor rooms are reached by a wide staircase and the geology department in the basement by three steps and a narrow staircase; where access is not possible, movable items can be shown on request. A push wheelchair can be booked in advance, and every room has chairs. The garden is fairly level and mostly accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

The society runs Young Explorers sessions for children. Visitors may get the chance to handle live insects, spiders and snakes. Space for buggies in the house is limited, so they are best left in the car, car park or garden; children must be supervised near the two wildlife ponds.

Getting there & parking

The museum is at 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.

Amenities & dining

One disabled toilet is on the lower ground floor and two more toilets are off the entrance hall; a baby-changing table is next to them. Visitors may picnic in the garden. Two Sheffield bike stands are at the front.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

The lecture hall (up to 100 seated theatre-style, £130 for 3 hours), the museum room (up to 50, £90 for 3 hours) and the garden can be hired for meetings, events, filming and photo shoots by societies and businesses; on-site parking and the kitchen are included.

Plan your visit