Herschel Museum of Astronomy
With a National Art Pass you get
This 1764 terrace turned museum celebrates a family of distinguished astronomers, the Herschels, responsible for the discovery of Uranus.
The Herschels moved to 19 New King Street, now the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, in 1777, and it was here that William Herschel made the monumental discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781. A self-taught astronomer, William was also passionate about the science of building telescopes (his discovery was made through one of his own designs) and following in the footsteps of the Renaissance astronomers who preceded him. Caroline Herschel was instrumental to William’s success and responsible for all of the data recording, later becoming an astronomer in her own right and discovering many comets.
Known for their talent in music as well as astronomy, the museum explores these two important parts of the Herschels lives. A programme of events takes a closer look at their passions and the legacy of their house, as well as the wider realm of astronomy, with an impressive photo library of images from their time spent living there.
Why you should go
Explore secrets of the solar system
Discover the story of discovering Uranus
Travel back in time to the 1700s
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.
