Within close proximity to the Natural History Museum and the V&A, the Science Museum offers a huge collection illustrating the history of scientific and technological development. Exhibits include such relics as steam engines, the very first mechanical computers and spacecraft. Highlights include: Science and the Art of Medicine, Science in the 18th Century, Flight, Marine Engineering, and exhibits that feature computing, energy, power, materials, space, weather, agriculture and more. The Wellcome Ring includes an IMAX movie theater and a SIMEX simulator (note: the IMAX and SIMEX both require an admission fee)
The Tate Museums
Tate Britain, formerly known as the Tate Gallery, contains the largest collection of British art from the 16th through the 21st century. There are mostly paintings on display here, but there is also a sculpture gallery. Tate Britain boasts a fantastic Pre-Raphaelite art collection, and its star attractions include paintings by J.M.W. Turner, Francis Bacon, John Constable, J.A.M. Whistler, John William Waterhouse, and more. The museum also has an excellent café and restaurant that is only open for lunch.
If you prefer modern art, the relatively new Tate Modern in Southwark and Bankside houses some of the works that were formally on display at the Tate Gallery (now known as Tate Britain). In addition to 20th century paintings and sculptures, visitors can enjoy two reading rooms and a balcony that offers fantastic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is directly across the river.
The Imperial War Museum
For anyone interested in military culture and history, a visit to the Imperial War Museum on the South Bank will not disappoint. Tanks, bombs, artillery and aircraft are on display, but the museum offers more than that. There are displays that focus on the impact on civilians’ lives during wartime as well, from food rationing, air raid fears, morale-boosting campaigns and censorship. Photographs, war-time literature, war-themed movies, radio shows, paintings and sculpture all find a place here too. There is also a moving Holocaust exhibit, a recent addition to the museum.