Museums are spaces for learning, dreaming, being inspired and entertained.
London has a huge number of museums, showing historical, nature, art, medical and transport exhibits, among many other themes. The museum buildings vary and in the more traditional museum buildings, visitors can view displays in glass cases, such as at The Horniman and the British Museum, the first national public museum which was founded in 1753. These help to protect the delicate and valuable items on display and can be arranged to group together similar or related items. Some museums such as the V&A and The Imperial War Museum are spacious, showcasing physically large items and collections, with many rooms and cabinets to look in. Others such as The Petrie Museum and Vestry House are smaller and are creative with their spaces.
London also has several museums in more unusual settings, including some based on the maritime history of the River Thames, such as HMS Belfast and The Golden Hinde ship in St Mary Overie’s Docks. Artist Frederick Leighton’s house in Kensington gives a lived experience of an artist’s collections and work, and Dennis Sever’s House in Spitalfields tells the story of a Huguenot silk weaver family in their home. The Clink Museum tells the story of prison life in Southwark, and The Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garrett located in St Thomas’ Church, gives visitors a view of a medical setting from 1822. The locations and atmosphere of these museums give a visiting experience that helps to share their stories.
Here is a selection of images of the wonderful variety of museums in London. There are many more, so enjoy exploring our collections!