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Atmosphere – school info

If you would like to learn more about climate change, please visit the Our Future Planet exhibition which explores how carbon capture technologies could help support our efforts to meet this global challenge.

In 2023 we will open a new gallery related to climate change.


Step into a virtual world, with its own oceans, land and atmosphere, and go back in time to discover key moments in the Earth’s multibillion-year climate history. Recommended for KS3 upwards.

Atmosphere is an exciting place to make sense of the climate—the science of how it works, what it’s doing now and what it might do next. Uncover the secrets of ice cores and stalagmites, then head for the future to wonder at the latest ideas for a low-carbon life.

Fascinating objects include a real Antarctic ice core, tree rings and scientists’ instruments. Come to this gallery to get to grips with the latest climate news and investigate the important issue of climate change.

Atmosphere is ideal for cross-curricular work and specific topics such as the carbon cycle and the greenhouse effect.

This immersive gallery combines interactive exhibits with objects from the Science Museum's collection and loans from around the world in five thought-provoking zones:

  • Exploring the climate system—science can show us how the climate works and what causes it to change.
  • Exploring Earth's energy balance—science can show us how greenhouse gases work and why they really matter.
  • Exploring the carbon cycle—science can show us carbon's global pathways and how we're causing them to change.
  • Exploring what might happen—science can track what's already changing and help us imagine the future.
  • Exploring our future choices—science and technology are already helping, but what are our options for tomorrow?

The Science Museum developed the content for this gallery through extensive research and engagement with scientists and experts, including expertise from the Met Office as principal content contributor.


This gallery is open access and you can explore at any time during your visit. We do not allocate specific time slots so you can fit it around other activities that you may have booked.


This page is for educational groups; for general visitor information, please see the main gallery page.