ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Science Museum London Builds Coronavirus Collection

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The Science Museum in London is assembling a collection of objects documenting the Coronavirus pandemic. Founded in 1857 and housing over 300,000 objects, the museum recently opened the Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries. Curators are gathering materials that reflect medical, scientific, and cultural responses to the outbreak, as reported by The Art Newspaper. Potential items include a letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to UK families, hand sanitizers, gloves, protective equipment, informational posters, and experimental magnets accidentally inserted into a scientist's nose during an antiviral device attempt. Due to lockdown, some donated items are stored safely at the museum, while others remain with donors until formal acquisition is possible.

Key facts

  • Science Museum London is creating a Coronavirus-themed collection.
  • Museum founded in 1857, holds over 300,000 objects.
  • Recently opened Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries.
  • Curators collecting materials documenting medical, scientific, cultural responses.
  • Potential items: Boris Johnson's letter, hand sanitizers, gloves, PPE, posters, experimental magnets.
  • Magnets accidentally inserted into scientist's nose during antiviral device attempt.
  • Some items stored at museum, others held by donors until safe to acquire.
  • Reported by The Art Newspaper.

Entities

Institutions

  • Science Museum London
  • The Wellcome Galleries
  • The Art Newspaper

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources