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How do science centres differ from science museums that collect historical equipment?

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Gallery room at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, with framed portraits and group paintings on the walls and a bench in the center of the wood floor. — museum Interior of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

The primary distinction between science centres and science museums lies in their approach to collection and conservation. While science museums are often dedicated to preserving the material evidence of scientific and technological history—such as historical apparatus, instruments, and industrial heritage—science centres typically do not hold a responsibility for collecting or conserving such historical objects.12

Instead, science centres focus on the demonstration of scientific principles and theories, often emphasizing the preservation of process over the preservation of physical artifacts. These institutions prioritize interactive engagement, providing visitors with opportunities to participate through demonstration models and hands-on displays. In contrast, science museums, such as the Museum of the History of Science, serve as repositories for significant historical equipment, including collections of sundials, astrolabes, and microscopes, which document the development of scientific endeavour over time.12