National Collections Centre

The National Collections Centre is a storage facility on the grounds of a former RAF airfield near Wroughton, housing over 300,000 objects from the Science Museum Group collection. The facility includes conservation laboratories, research areas, and photography studios within a complex stretching over 300 meters.

The Science Museum acquired the former RAF Wroughton airfield in 1979 to create storage space for large objects that could not be displayed in museums. In 2007, the museum's library archives were relocated here, making the site an important preservation location.

The centre preserves significant aircraft like the Douglas DC-3 and historical scientific documents that document Britain's technological heritage. This collection reflects the development of aviation and science, showing which objects matter for the country's story.

Researchers can access the collections by appointment and use research areas and photography equipment on site. It is important to arrange a visit in advance, as this is a specialized facility intended for research work rather than casual visits.

The site operates one of Britain's largest solar farms, installed on the former airfield. The grounds also include 30 hectares of woodland inhabited by hundreds of bird and bat species, giving the place a natural balance.

Location: Wroughton

Inception: 1979

Part of: Science Museum Group

Website: https://sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/about-us/collection/national-collections-centre

GPS coordinates: 51.51220,-1.81278

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26