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Museum of London
Museum of London
4.5
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About
Step inside the Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital’s turbulent past. Discover prehistoric London, see how the city changed under Romans and Saxons, wonder at medieval London and examine the tumultuous years when London was ravaged by civil wars, plague and fire. Then venture into the Galleries of Modern London where you can walk the streets of Victorian London, take a stroll in recreated pleasure gardens and marvel at the magnificent Lord Mayor’s Coach. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm (galleries close at 4.40pm). Closed 24-26 December.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighborhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighborhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- St. Paul's • 4 min walk
- Barbican • 4 min walk
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10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,337 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,829 reviews
Excellent
3,460
Very good
1,847
Average
383
Poor
91
Terrible
48
Roberta N
144 contributions
Sep 2020
Had booked in advance
Website clearly stated you cannot take large bags in and lockers available with £1 coin. Good as suited us as had just checked out of hotel with luggage.
On arrival told tough lockers closed you’ll have to take huge hold-all round with you.
Annoying to say the least as heavy to carry round and we had to keep putting it down to look at exhibits.
From a security point of view no one checked any of our bags and we could have walked in and gone round the museum completely unchecked with a suitcase !!!!
On speaking to staff there were a couple who were helpful on the other hand most in different and when asking where the toilets were the man manning the closed cafe just pointed ave grunted.
Sorry but that’s not good enough.
Covid or no Covid get your website correct and get your staff lessons in common decency and customer service.
Website clearly stated you cannot take large bags in and lockers available with £1 coin. Good as suited us as had just checked out of hotel with luggage.
On arrival told tough lockers closed you’ll have to take huge hold-all round with you.
Annoying to say the least as heavy to carry round and we had to keep putting it down to look at exhibits.
From a security point of view no one checked any of our bags and we could have walked in and gone round the museum completely unchecked with a suitcase !!!!
On speaking to staff there were a couple who were helpful on the other hand most in different and when asking where the toilets were the man manning the closed cafe just pointed ave grunted.
Sorry but that’s not good enough.
Covid or no Covid get your website correct and get your staff lessons in common decency and customer service.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Retired_Gentleman
Southampton, UK275 contributions
Aug 2019
Don’t visit if you have concerns about terrorist attacks in London’s tourist attractions. I say this because when I visited, I wasn’t subject to any kind of security check. Admittedly, I don’t look like the average terrorist (I hope), but I was carrying an overnight bag and I didn’t see anyone else getting searched.
Don’t visit if it’s a weekend, public holiday or school holiday, particularly a rainy one, and you don’t want to be distracted by the sounds and actions of bored young children as enthusiastic parents try to make them understand that this small pebble, and that piece of broken pottery, are thousands of years old.
I have to say that I sympathised with the kids because there are rather a lot of these types of objects from the first few 450,000 years of London’s history housed in their glass cages. Who can blame a child for not being interested in another rusty knife when there are buttons to press. And to be fair to the Museum, there are quite a few interactive displays scattered around, although most with a queue of kids waiting to get on.
I found the Museum to become much more interesting when we moved onto more recent times – the War, Plague and Fire section told an interesting story of the 1550s to 1660s and the Victorian shops were wonderful. I enjoyed seeing my first penny farthing bicycle and the copper cauldron from London’s 2012 Olympic Games.
The Museum is going to be relocated at a future date into Smithfield Market, London’s old meat market. I do hope that in its design, better arrangements are made to lead visitors through the museum in a logical chronological sequence, something that the present museum makes challenging for its visitors.
Don’t visit if it’s a weekend, public holiday or school holiday, particularly a rainy one, and you don’t want to be distracted by the sounds and actions of bored young children as enthusiastic parents try to make them understand that this small pebble, and that piece of broken pottery, are thousands of years old.
I have to say that I sympathised with the kids because there are rather a lot of these types of objects from the first few 450,000 years of London’s history housed in their glass cages. Who can blame a child for not being interested in another rusty knife when there are buttons to press. And to be fair to the Museum, there are quite a few interactive displays scattered around, although most with a queue of kids waiting to get on.
I found the Museum to become much more interesting when we moved onto more recent times – the War, Plague and Fire section told an interesting story of the 1550s to 1660s and the Victorian shops were wonderful. I enjoyed seeing my first penny farthing bicycle and the copper cauldron from London’s 2012 Olympic Games.
The Museum is going to be relocated at a future date into Smithfield Market, London’s old meat market. I do hope that in its design, better arrangements are made to lead visitors through the museum in a logical chronological sequence, something that the present museum makes challenging for its visitors.
Written June 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kirsty B
London, UK31 contributions
Oct 2020
What a fabulous way to start Black History Month and gain a broader perspective on centuries of black history in Britain.
Thanks to Kofi and George for each taking us on a guided tour and allowing us to deep dive into a particularly exciting part of British history. Their engaging story telling brings alive the contribution of people of African and Caribbean descent and recognizes their outstanding contributions from a very different angle.
We left wondering which TV station will soon be knocking on their door to make a documentary on this compelling story.
And naturally Museum of London has reopened in a Covid secure way.
Thanks to Kofi and George for each taking us on a guided tour and allowing us to deep dive into a particularly exciting part of British history. Their engaging story telling brings alive the contribution of people of African and Caribbean descent and recognizes their outstanding contributions from a very different angle.
We left wondering which TV station will soon be knocking on their door to make a documentary on this compelling story.
And naturally Museum of London has reopened in a Covid secure way.
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy W
London, UK137 contributions
Mar 2020
We walked the short distance from Barbican station to the museum entrance which was signposted.
The museum has a great variety of informative displays, some interactive, some life size and some described in films.
A great day out for all ages. There is also a cafe and a shop.
Although entrance is free they do encourage donations.
Staff were friendly and helpful.
Would recommend.
The museum has a great variety of informative displays, some interactive, some life size and some described in films.
A great day out for all ages. There is also a cafe and a shop.
Although entrance is free they do encourage donations.
Staff were friendly and helpful.
Would recommend.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve J
Bourne, UK96 contributions
Jan 2020
Some museums make it difficult to see everything. Here you simply follow your nose in a chronological walk through London's history. From the Bronze Age, via the Romans creating the City right through to today. the newest exhibit being the bronze flame array at the centre of the London Olympics. The building is of a comfortable human scale so not daunting to children and they all seemed very happy as it was very visual, with lots of interactive gadgets and all without being overly high brow. We spent three hours there and could have stayed longer. Good facilities including a cafe.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
futtock21
London, UK11,598 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
As its replacement remains under construction in nearby Smithfield (there is a scale model at the start of the galleries devoted to London before London) I wondered if the Museum of London on its original site might open post-lockdown at all before being submerged in Sir Simon Rattle’s pointless vanity project to replace the perfectly acceptable Barbican concert hall with a new auditorium here. Other than the necessity to pre-book a timed entry ticket and follow a one-way system whilst occasional displays are off limits little has changed. No queuing unless one wants to visit an exhibition with some connection to
an unhappily named but thankfully defunct band called The Clash.
an unhappily named but thankfully defunct band called The Clash.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monsieurslinky
Northamptonshire, UK234 contributions
Sep 2020
We visited The Museum of London in September and spent just over an hour and a half working our way through the history, from the ice age right up to modern day.
The first part of the museum presented plenty of ancient artefacts, flint weapons, pottery bowls and the odd skull. Then we started to manoeuvre into Roman times, where society was getting a little more ‘glamorous’…
The highlight of the museum for me was the Victorian walkway where several shops had been brought to life. I yearned to be able to actually go into the shops. It got me thinking, that to really bring the experience to life, the museum could have a soundtrack playing, perhaps a conversation between a shopkeeper and a customer or how about an authentic London sewage smell emitting from the streets as you walk past.
The section devoted to the Great Fire of London was compelling. I pictured conversations between Londoners in the aftermath of the fire, imagine being the baker whose bakery had been the starting point of the fire! Simultaneously tragic and socially awkward!
Overall, an enjoyable, informative visit and we shall definitely come again.
The first part of the museum presented plenty of ancient artefacts, flint weapons, pottery bowls and the odd skull. Then we started to manoeuvre into Roman times, where society was getting a little more ‘glamorous’…
The highlight of the museum for me was the Victorian walkway where several shops had been brought to life. I yearned to be able to actually go into the shops. It got me thinking, that to really bring the experience to life, the museum could have a soundtrack playing, perhaps a conversation between a shopkeeper and a customer or how about an authentic London sewage smell emitting from the streets as you walk past.
The section devoted to the Great Fire of London was compelling. I pictured conversations between Londoners in the aftermath of the fire, imagine being the baker whose bakery had been the starting point of the fire! Simultaneously tragic and socially awkward!
Overall, an enjoyable, informative visit and we shall definitely come again.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debaz1
Whitley, UK11 contributions
Aug 2021
Loved it, had a really enjoyable time made all the better because of the lovely Manager who encouraged me to borrow an electric scooter as I have mobility issues. It enabled me to get around the fab exhibits and have a great time with my family, I would highly recommend visiting the museum. Thanks again to the Manager, we visited on Tuesday 3 August in the morning.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barcodebryan
London, UK827 contributions
Jun 2021
You should stay away from this museum until COVID is resolved!
I had a booking for 1pm today. I arrived 5 minutes before and was allowed to enter.
I left by the same door less than 10 minutes later.
I felt totally unsafe due to so very many people either not wearing masks or having them covering their mouth only. I don’t believe - for one second - that most of those visitors were exempt.
There were members of museum staff walking around and I didn’t see any single person being challenged.
This is just not good enough and the museum should question whether or not it is acting responsibly enough to remain open during the pandemic.
I had a booking for 1pm today. I arrived 5 minutes before and was allowed to enter.
I left by the same door less than 10 minutes later.
I felt totally unsafe due to so very many people either not wearing masks or having them covering their mouth only. I don’t believe - for one second - that most of those visitors were exempt.
There were members of museum staff walking around and I didn’t see any single person being challenged.
This is just not good enough and the museum should question whether or not it is acting responsibly enough to remain open during the pandemic.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ANNA B
36 contributions
Jun 2021
It's good that it is free although I was pressurised into donating £5 - and wished I hadn't.
It would be a good intro to someone with no knowledge of London's history, and there are some good and interesting exhibits BUT the noise was awful. On entry there was loud pop music blaring from the later (C20th) gallery, and all the way round there were various audio installations, all far too intrusive.
I would not visit again and would not recommend it except to prehistory buffs (there are a LOT of flint hand axes etc. which interested me but are a bit specialised)
It would be a good intro to someone with no knowledge of London's history, and there are some good and interesting exhibits BUT the noise was awful. On entry there was loud pop music blaring from the later (C20th) gallery, and all the way round there were various audio installations, all far too intrusive.
I would not visit again and would not recommend it except to prehistory buffs (there are a LOT of flint hand axes etc. which interested me but are a bit specialised)
Written June 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TTTworldtraveler
Florida338 contributions
Is the Great Fire of London Walk an event inside of the Museum for families. Must you purchase tickets (as they are sold out) to complete the walk? Is it something you can do on your own since tickets are sold out? Also, does it occur on any days other than weekends? Thank you.
Douglas H
London, UK211 contributions
Hi Sorry i don’t know about this as it wasn’t on when i visited
Lynne W
Norwich114 contributions
Is this museum suitable for a 7yr old?
Cambridge Guru
Cambridge, UK884 contributions
There's some really good hands on material which I think would make it worthwhile for a 7 year old
Yorkylass82
Huddersfield, UK128 contributions
Hello, I am considering coming down to London just to visit the Museums suffragette exhibition, I am wondering how large it is? If its just a couple of noticeboards then perhaps not worth a specific visit and will leave it till next in the area to visit the museum in general. Can anyone give me an idea as to the size of the display and amount of content? many thanks
Graham D
Bury St. Edmunds, UK326 contributions
Whilst interesting, I felt that this exhibition was not particularly large - it is just one of many aspects the museum displays. If you look on the museum's web site you can see (and download) a floor plan of the museum and the suffragette page tells you where it is located, so you are able to judge relative size for yourself.
Valentino M
Osteria Grande, Italy2 contributions
Ingresso è gratis?
SissiAiko
Florence, Italy132 contributions
yes
Jana P
1 contribution
How much time do you have to plan for the museum of london?
dalton1skiing
London2,615 contributions
Obviously if you stopped for lunch, had little kids or it was a busy day there, you could be there all day. Also depends if you were to read all exhibits in detail. It was busy when we visited with several groups of school children crowding exhibits. We managed to see everything, read the information & have an enjoyable visit in about 2hrs. We could have spend more time in some areas, but unless you are interested in seeing everything in detail, this was enough time for us. Enjoy.
Ellen B
Binghamton, NY2 contributions
How long does it take to go through the museum?
hrtraveler
Pearl City, HI1,033 contributions
I'd budget at least 2-3 hours. There's quite a bit to see, so it's time well spent.
juliettemaclaren68
London, UK
Do you still have a Great Fire of London exhibition?
MrWil_low
169 contributions
Yes, there is still a section of the main exhibition that covers the fire, including the Edwardian son et lumiere model. However, the pay-to-view special exhibition that ran last year has since closed.
ginnychalk
Chardstock, UK2 contributions
what is the nearest tube station to the museum of london
Familytravel2020
Inverloch, Australia89 contributions
We walked from St Pauls. Easy walk.
BabsandTrev32
Reading, UK3 contributions
Should (and do we have to) we book in advance for the Fire Fire Exhibition? We don't really know what time we can get there. Thank you
Museumof L
London, UK4 contributions
Hello, you do not have to book in advance, but it is always recommended to avoid disappointment on the day, particularly on weekends and during school half term. If you are not certain of the time of your arrival, please feel free to contact our Box Office ( (+44) 020 7001 9844) for availability of tickets on the day.
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