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Exploration into science: Discover the story of planet Earth's coldest, driest, windiest, highest and deadliest places …

The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a unique collection of artefacts, journals, paintings, photographs, clothing equipment, maps and other materials illustrating polar exploration, history and science. Come and find out how past discoveries in the Arctic and Antarctic help today's scientists to investigate our changing environment.

Bank holiday opening 2013

The Museum will be open 10am to 4pm on Bank Holiday Mondays in May and August. Please note that we will be closed on the preceding Saturdays.

» What's On

Take a quick look at the exciting events in store this season ...

Museums at Night: A Father for My Son

Kathleen and Robert Falcon Scott

6pm – 8.30pm Thursday 16th May 2013

Ever wanted to explore a museum after dark?

Join us at the Polar Museum, for one night only to explore the galleries with a glass of wine in tow!
And for your evening's entertainment, travel back in time with Kathleen Scott, wife of the legendary polar
explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott for a female perspective on love and life at the turn of the 20th century in a play written and performed by Jenny Coverack.

The play will commence at 6.30pm lasting 90 minutes with an interval.
Booking recommended - £9.50/ £7.50 concessions and Friends of SPRI. Book tickets here.

» Exhibitions

Polar Poetry - new this season

Join us as we begin to explore the poetic inspiration of the polar regions - we will be building a wide range of events and resources for all to enjoy.

Scott's Expedition Diaries online

The Polar Museum has begun an exciting new project to provide access to the journals and diaries of the officers, scientists and crew of Scott's Terra Nova Expedition, 1910-13, held in the Institute's Archives. Check our Polar Diaries project pages for news of developments.

The Polar Museum shortlisted for the European Museum of the Year 2012

We were honoured to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. The achievements of the Polar Museum were recognised at the Awards in Penafiel, Portugal in May 2012.

Read more about the exciting redevelopment of the Polar Museum and our Heritage Lottery Fund award.


HLF logo -Hi

We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages, including school and other groups.

» Museum catalogue

The museum catalogue is not yet fully published but sections not on the web are SPRI Museum Y: 88/1/2, Caribou skin bag from Mittimatalikavailable to visitors by appointment. Special collections available online include:

Access and contact details

» Directions to the museum are available. » Contact us if you need more information.

Visitors are permitted to take photographs (with flash or a tripod) in the galleries for their personal, educational use only. Photographs taken by visitors must not be reproduced or published in any form, including on the internet, without permission.

The Museum welcomes requests for scholarly access to the Collections. Scholars wishing to access the Museum's reserve collections should make an appointment with the Keeper.

Acquisition of museum material has been principally by gift. Access conditions for collections not on display are similar to those for archival materials. Copies of items in the Institute's collections, including paintings and photographs, can be supplied for publication. The Library and Archives are also accessible to visitors by appointment; please read the notes on access to the Special Collections. Please use our online booking form for appointments to consult material in the Archives or Art Collection.

Our Museum policy documents describe our policies on acquisition, loans and other areas. See also information on conservation.