Special Exhibitions

Fénix 2 is one of five capsules built to rescue the 33 trapped miners from the San José mine in Chile’s Atacama Desert in October 2010. The capsule on display was on standby for its twin, which rescued the miners.

• Fénix 2: Icon of the Chilean mine rescue

Explore how astronomy has changed the way we see our universe - and ourselves - through this object-rich exhibition.

• Cosmos & Culture: how astronomy has shaped our world

Electroboutique generate a dialogue with their audience through works which respond, reflect and re-version viewers in real time.

Until Tuesday 14 February 12

• Electroboutique Pop-up

To celebrate Professor Stephen Hawking’s 70th birthday, we have commissioned a series of photographic portraits. One of the commissioned pictures will be on show in a new display that will open later on 20 January.

Until Monday 09 April 12

• Stephen Hawking: A 70th birthday celebration

We use them every day. They number in the billions. They are so common we rarely even think about them: the hidden heroes of everyday life. Discover the fascinating stories behind 36 objects that make our world go round.

Until Tuesday 05 June 12

• Hidden Heroes – The Genius of Everyday Things

Can you see yourself see? Why do some words sound pointy? Why do you trust some faces more than others? Ever wondered what scientists do all day in a lab?

Until Saturday 31 March 12

• Lottolab

Electronic music is everywhere, from the television that we watch to the music we listen to in clubs and even the ringtones on our mobile phones.

Until Saturday 01 December 12

• Oramics to Electronica: Revealing Histories of Electronic Music

Conrad Shawcross has created five artworks that are displayed alongside the Mathematics gallery’s stylised displays of instruments, machines and models.

Until Sunday 13 May 12

• Protomodel by Conrad Shawcross

Ten Climate Stories takes a long view of our climate changing world – where all is not what it seems.

Until Friday 28 September 12

• Ten Climate Stories

As the world’s population explodes, we have to ask… do we fight for fresh water now or wait for a global food crisis?

Until Wednesday 20 June 12

• Water Wars from Antenna

In summer 2012 the Science Museum will host an exhibition of some of the most exciting British manufacturing developments and explore the positive impact they have on our lives.

• Make it in Great Britain

HEXEN 2.0 is an exhibition of large-scale drawings or ‘diagrams’ and a set of re-imagined Tarot cards, which chart the coming together of diverse scientific and social sciences.

• Suzanne Treister – HEXEN 2.0