Museum of Victorian Science

About the museum

The Museum of Victorian Science is a private museum in the village of Glaisdale on the North York Moors. It holds hundreds of early electrical and scientific instruments from the 19th century, most of them still in working order.

A visit is a guided lecture and demonstration rather than a walk through galleries. Visitors are first guided along the packed shelves with a laser pointer, then see the instruments in use. The programme follows the development of the static electricity generator up to the Wimshurst machine, the electric telegraph and the telephone exchange, the discovery of X-rays, the work of Sir William Crookes on cathode rays, and J. J. Thomson's discovery of the electron. A series of live demonstrations with glowing tubes, sparks and electric arcs completes the show, which also covers the dangers of radioactive materials that were used carelessly in the past.

Highlights

• Working Wimshurst machine and other static electricity generators
• Geissler, Bouquet and Crookes tubes shown glowing
• Early X-ray tubes and the electric telegraph
• Demonstrations with uranium glass, sparks and electric arcs

Permanent exhibition

• Victorian science show – A guided programme with working Victorian instruments: static generators, the telegraph, X-ray and cathode ray tubes, fluorescence and radioactivity demonstrations.

Founded

2000

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Not suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 16+

The museum accepts visitors aged 16 and over only.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the village of Glaisdale, near Whitby. No bus route is listed for the museum.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit