While many flock to the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known museums waiting to be explored. Here’s a guide to ten hidden gems that promise to make your next museum visit an unforgettable adventure.
1. The Hunterian Museum
- Address: Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
- Opening Hours: Currently closed for redevelopment; check the website for updates.
- Admission Fee: Free (once reopened).
Tucked away in the depths of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Hunterian Museum is a fascinating journey through the bizarre and the beautiful. Founded in the 18th century by the surgeon John Hunter, this museum showcases an eclectic collection of over 20,000 items, including skeletons, preserved organs, and even a mummified hand. Don’t worry, there are also plenty of more palatable exhibits for the squeamish!
2. The Museum of Brands
- Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: £10 for adults, £7 for students and seniors.
Located in Notting Hill, the Museum of Brands offers a nostalgic stroll through the evolution of consumer culture. With over 12,000 items, including vintage packaging and advertising, this museum celebrates the quirky history of everyday products. Explore the “Time Tunnel” to see how brands have evolved from Victorian times to the present day, and prepare to feel a twinge of nostalgia over that long-lost snack you used to love.
3. The Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fee: Free (donations appreciated).
Once the home of the neoclassical architect Sir John Soane, this museum is a magical maze of art, architecture, and antiquities. The highlight is the collection of over 7,000 objects, including paintings by Turner and Canaletto, as well as the exquisite sarcophagus of Seti I. The museum also features the iconic Picture Room, where Soane used light to create an immersive viewing experience. Don’t forget to take a peek at his unique collection of architectural models!
4. The Foundling Museum
- Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: £10 for adults, £5 for children, free for under 5s.
Nestled in Bloomsbury, the Foundling Museum tells the poignant story of the Foundling Hospital, the first children’s home in London. This museum captures the essence of the city’s social history through its collection of art, artifacts, and the touching stories of abandoned children. Explore the heartwarming tokens left by mothers hoping to reclaim their children one day. It’s a moving tribute to compassion and resilience that often flies under the radar.
5. The Magic Circle Museum
- Address: 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (pre-booking required).
- Admission Fee: £10 for adults, £5 for children.
For those enchanted by the world of illusion and magic, The Magic Circle Museum is a must-visit. Located in Euston, this museum celebrates the art of magic with a vast collection of memorabilia from the golden age of illusionists. Discover the secrets behind classic tricks, explore vintage posters, and maybe even catch a live performance. Just be careful not to reveal any secrets—you wouldn’t want to break the magician’s code!
6. The Postal Museum
- Address: 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA
- Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission Fee: £16.50 for adults, £8.50 for children, family tickets available.
The Postal Museum is a delightful dive into the history of communication in the UK. Located near the historic Mount Pleasant sorting office, the museum offers fascinating exhibits on the evolution of the postal service, including its quirky past, from the first postage stamps to the introduction of the iconic red letterboxes. Don’t miss the chance to take a ride on the Mail Rail, an underground train that once transported mail across London!
7. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
- Address: 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: £8 for adults, £5 for students and seniors.
Step back in time at The Old Operating Theatre, which dates back to the 19th century. Housed in the attic of St. Thomas’ Church, this museum offers a glimpse into the gruesome world of surgery before anesthesia and antiseptics. With its rickety wooden operating table and a wealth of medical instruments, it’s both fascinating and a tad macabre. Perfect for those with a strong stomach and an interest in medical history!
8. The Florence Nightingale Museum
- Address: 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EW
- Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: £8 for adults, £5 for children and seniors.
Situated near St Thomas’ Hospital, the Florence Nightingale Museum celebrates the life and legacy of the pioneering nurse. This intimate museum showcases her work during the Crimean War and her role in establishing modern nursing practices. With personal artifacts, interactive displays, and even a reconstruction of her famed Nightingale Ward, this museum honors the woman who transformed healthcare.
9. The Cartoon Museum
- Address: 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission Fee: £8 for adults, £5 for children.
If you fancy a giggle, the Cartoon Museum in Bloomsbury is a brilliant stop. Showcasing a delightful collection of British cartoons, comic strips, and caricatures, the museum features works by legendary artists such as Steve Bell and Gerald Scarfe. It’s a whimsical place to explore the role of humor in British culture and enjoy some classic comic art. Plus, the gift shop offers quirky cartoon-inspired merchandise!
10. The London Transport Museum
- Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 7BB
- Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission Fee: £18 for adults, £14 for children, free for under 18s.
Explore the fascinating world of London’s transport history at the London Transport Museum. From the iconic red buses to the London Underground, this museum showcases the evolution of transport in the city. Interactive exhibits, vintage vehicles, and captivating stories bring the history of London’s transport network to life. It’s a fun and informative experience for all ages, perfect for anyone who loves a good ride!
