They say that the science of physics holds the answers to all the mysteries in the universe. Does this mean that a visit to the
University of Queensland Physics Museum will provide you with the meaning of life?
Um, well, actually no. But this museum is a treat for scientific minds.
The Physics Museum was established in 1988 and provides a cross section of scientific learning at University of Queensland over the past hundred years. The museum showcases a variety of educational items that have been used by UQ scientists and students, such as a range of instruments and equipment used to carry out experiments, books, catalogues and instruction manuals.
Amongst the items are antiquities and now obsolete devices. Some instruments date back to 1911, the first year that physics was taught at University of Queensland. The museum is located in Room G73 on the ground floor of the Parnell Building at the
UQ St Lucia Campus.
The University of Queensland Physics Museum also hosts a series of public lectures entitled 'Tools of Science'. These talks focus on apparatus that has supported science throughout the centuries, such as seismometers, microscopes and balances – fascinating material for a certain type of person. See the
Tools of Science website for a list of lecture topics, dates and times.
The Physics Museum is open on Thursdays from 1.00pm until 2.00pm during the teaching period, although group tours can be arranged outside of these hours. Admission is free.
