The Herschel Museum of Astronomy at 19 New King Street, Bath, England, is a museum that was inaugurated in 1981. It is located in a town house that was formerly the home of William Herschel and his sister Caroline.
The museum is situated in the former home of the Herschels at 19 New King Street (south side) in Bath, England. The building is a particularly well-preserved small town house of the period. The modest town-house covers five floors, and includes two reception rooms on the ground and first floor. The town house is part of a terrace that was built around 1764-1770. The building is constructed from Bath stone ashlar, with some coursed rubble at the rear, and slate Mansard roofs with pantiling on the internal slopes. The entrance is on the left-hand side of the building, which has three storeys, as well as an attic and basement, each of which have two sash windows. The building represents a middle-grade Georgian town house, typical of the homes of artisans and tradesmen of the city of Bath (but contrasting with Bath's grand visitor houses)
Monday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Stuart Robertson | Feb 25, 2018
Fascinating out of the way meusum. Not a huge amount there but well worth the very small admission fee. Don't miss the video in the basement, see that first.
Mags Steele | Mar 4, 2018
Interesting museum little about the lives and discoveries of William and Caroline Herschel. The staff were very friendly and informative.
Fahim Khan | Feb 25, 2018
If you love science, definitely a place to visit. A bit small but pretty cool
Mark Shipton | Dec 18, 2017
Interesting, small museum set in the home of the man himself. The volunteer at the museum was really knowledgeable and friendly, there are lots of memories of a personal life alongside historical items. Would recommend.
frank sweeney | Feb 14, 2018
Where science and music have created a great history story. Well maintained and interesting museum.
Adrian Dynes | Apr 28, 2018
Interesting museum. Although it's not massive, it was a very enjoyable place to visit and well worth a visit.
Adam Payne | Jun 1, 2018
We stumbled upon this out of the way museum while taking a different route into the city centre. A fantastic attraction that is housed in the very house that so many discoveries were made in including the discovery of the planet Uranus. I felt a little humbled while walking around the museum. This museum shows the history of Herschel and his wife Mary. Including all of Herschel discoveries in the field of science but also music. Included amongst the exhibits is a 15 minute video narrated by the late great Sir Patrick Moore. Well worth a visit.
Ralph Smart | Jun 12, 2018
Very much enjoyed this little museum, the staff were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Ginger Jansen | Jul 29, 2018
Such a hidden gem! This little Museum was a big highlight of our trip and I would highly encourage you to visit. It's a little out of the way but totally worth it. They have essentially given access to the Herschels' home where the siblings discovered Uranus - it's therefore a very small and intimate Museum and gives you a great insight into how they lived and what journey they went through. We were greeted by a lovely host who was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome - before we started our journey around the home, he gave us a great introduction to the Herschel family which really helped put everything in perspective. On the lower ground they play a video which re-enacts the story as well using real-life actors which was great fun. The garden where they discovered Uranus is well-kept and accessible, which is rather special! Do give it a visit...even if it's just to keep this little Museum on the radar :-)
C Mee | Jul 28, 2018
This is a small museum being in the house where Herschel grew up. Being in the centre of Bath it makes it expensive to enter. There is a short video to watch and a good number of historical artefacts. I would like to have seen more about his discoveries, the science of then and what we now know. Younger kids would be very bored. There's also a whole floor blocked off and the garden needs attending to. Not bad but overpriced for what it is.
Graham Mitchell | Jul 8, 2018
Fascinating little museum based in his townhouse. Aimed at adults and older children overall. Interesting little Patrick Moore narrated video in their underground cinema!
Chris Dale | Jun 30, 2018
So much history and really enjoyed the exhibits over the different floors. If you can gift aid your entrance tickets then they become valid for a whole year for repeat visits. Only criticism was we couldn't get the introductory video to play in the screen room so carried on regardless.
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