The Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and first public art gallery. Established in 1739 by philanthropist Thomas Coram, and continuing today as the children’s charity Coram, the Hospital was set up as an institution ‘for the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children’. Instrumental in helping Coram realise his vision were the artist William Hogarth, who encouraged leading artists of the day to donate work, and the composer George Frideric Handel, who gave annual benefit concerts of his Messiah. Discover thought-provoking exhibitions, contemporary art commissions, collection displays and historic archives, plus a lively programme of concerts, workshops, talks and special events, all enjoyed within beautiful 18th-century interiors. Explore the intriguing story behind this important London institution and the ways in which artists and children have inspired each other for over 275 years.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Bloomsbury
Snuggly nestled within Central London is academic and leafy Bloomsbury, an area that boasts walking distance access to many of London's most popular attractions. It is also home to some of Britain's most celebrated museums, including the must-see British Museum. Despite an understandable popularity with students, tourists and day trippers, vast sections of Bloomsbury retain a quiet, residential feel year round and throughout the week.
How to get there
- Russell Square • 4 min walk
- King's Cross St. Pancras • 10 min walk
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Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,784 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- mrhg l7 contributionsA vital gem of London and Georgian historyA Georgian mansion which was home to Thomas Coram's institution for orphaned children or children whose parents had no capacity to look after them. It is one of London's lesser known yet vital tourist sites. The stories of the children who lived there are told with care. The stories of the men and women who governed it and funded it are also told - many were well known such as Hogarth and Handel. The place is well lit, with displays clear and easy to read. There are numerous interesting paintings. The tastefully decorated Court Room is one of the finest Georgian rooms in London, possibly the finest. The upper floor is devoted to a small yet interesting exhibit about the composer Handel.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 6, 2024
- MrsCLancsLancaster, United Kingdom109 contributionsGreat museum recognising the hard lives of people in our ‘recent’ history.Very poignant and interesting museum. The ground floor is fabulous and I felt quite emotional at times. It’s full of written and video stories, and displays of mementoes. The upper floors show the massive variation between the lives that the children led and the grandeur that around….with credit to some of the philanthropists.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 8, 2024
- Carole SMilton Keynes, United Kingdom858 contributionsReally interesting...I stumbled across this museum when I was looking for places to visit. A great little find and worth a visit. I knew nothing of this subject until this visit and I think it's worth knowing about. Quite hard reading and watching, in places, but another good example of understanding our past. Recommend. Carole : )Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2024
- nickswlonTeddington, United Kingdom471 contributionsWell put together museumVery interesting museum near Russell Square tube station. Well put together with some emotional stories and pictures and brief bios of some of the most recent children who went on to have fulfilling lives. I’d recommend a visit here to future travellers.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 30, 2024
- SteeleDebWest Sussex, United Kingdom105 contributionsHighly RecommendedI came across this museum by chance when looking up a walking route from St Pancras to the British Museum on Apple Maps. I’m so glad I did as I’ve just spent a fascinating 90 minutes learning about the history of the Foundling Hospital. The displays are excellent in telling the story of the hospital, including the people who made it happen, and its connection with the composer, Handel. The museum space is spacious and airy and certainly doesn’t feel crowded, unlike other museums in the city. A brilliant insight into 18th century London and very much worth a visit.Visited June 2024Traveled soloWritten June 13, 2024
- HollieeeeRamsgate, United Kingdom296 contributionsQuaintI visited this museum on the 6th July for a talk with Jacqueline Wilson. Whilst some of the exhibits may be viewed as sparse, what is there represents the history of the museum beautifully. The staff and volunteers were all absolutely wonderful and took questions with no problems at all.. It was so lovely to see people so passionate about a lesser known element of British history! The talk was beautiful, and as a patron of the museum and a Coram felow, Jacqueline Wilson was an absolute delight to meet and was equally as passionate about history.. she too was enthusiastic about taking questions and looked after the fans who attended like we were old family. I would implore anyone and everyone to visit the beautiful photo exhibition in the basement about some of the Ukrainian refugees who've found solace in Europe since the war began. While saddening, the feeling of hope is inspiring and loved knowing how each woman has found safety.Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
564 reviews
Excellent
279
Very good
196
Average
63
Poor
20
Terrible
6
Caroline P
Harringay, UK17 contributions
Feb 2020
I had heard good things about this museum, particularly about the workshops for children. We visited during half-term, as we saw a great session for kids, so I suspect it was busier than usual, but from the moment we stepped in, I felt the staff were quite dismissive.
To be fair, I did not realise that it was a paid entry museum and, at first, this threw us. We had a few moments discussing it, and we decided to stay anyway, but the staff behind the counter were rather rude, no smiles or explanations just sighing and mumbled asides. It was clear we had come for the workshop, yet we were not offered places on arrival. It was full by the time we had eaten lunch, which again we had to ask where the facilities were. There is no cafe on site, although this is flagged on the website.
It is a basic exhibition, but it contains some very moving objects, notably the momentoes from the mothers. However, there is one floor of the main display; then it turns into an art gallery. I was disappointed that the building isn't used more, it could have been in any building, anywhere. Given it was more than £10 to enter, there should have been a lot more content and with less dense text as interpretation.
As part of the story of London's development, it is an interesting aside. Still, you can get all the same historical facts from a book called The Foundling by Stacey Halls, which is considerably cheaper than the entry price.
To be fair, I did not realise that it was a paid entry museum and, at first, this threw us. We had a few moments discussing it, and we decided to stay anyway, but the staff behind the counter were rather rude, no smiles or explanations just sighing and mumbled asides. It was clear we had come for the workshop, yet we were not offered places on arrival. It was full by the time we had eaten lunch, which again we had to ask where the facilities were. There is no cafe on site, although this is flagged on the website.
It is a basic exhibition, but it contains some very moving objects, notably the momentoes from the mothers. However, there is one floor of the main display; then it turns into an art gallery. I was disappointed that the building isn't used more, it could have been in any building, anywhere. Given it was more than £10 to enter, there should have been a lot more content and with less dense text as interpretation.
As part of the story of London's development, it is an interesting aside. Still, you can get all the same historical facts from a book called The Foundling by Stacey Halls, which is considerably cheaper than the entry price.
Written March 13, 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.
BartyLawrence
London, UK84 contributions
Jun 2021
We really enjoyed our visit to The Foundling Museum, the exhibits and artwork were absolutely incredible - especially the Covid letters exhibition.
The staff and volunteers were all very friendly and would recommend this museum to anyone with an interest in artist Hogarth and composer Handel. The children's 'tokens' display was moving - Well worth a visit if you are in London.
The staff and volunteers were all very friendly and would recommend this museum to anyone with an interest in artist Hogarth and composer Handel. The children's 'tokens' display was moving - Well worth a visit if you are in London.
Written June 14, 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.
DinFrance
Stroud, UK548 contributions
Oct 2020
A very enjoyable and pleasant visit. Did not know quite what to expect but it was genuinely interesting. It was a subject/topic that I had not really considered and, therefore, it was really illuminating. An interesting time, as well, in the growth of London. The museum 'drifts' (quite cleverly) from the history around the Foundling Hospital to Handel (as he was one of the original benefactors). Definitely well worth a visit - and in a nice quiet part of town.
I did rather enjoy the armchairs with the built in speakers where you could listen to some of Handel's work. Most soothing!
Everything exceedingly well laid out and presented.
I did rather enjoy the armchairs with the built in speakers where you could listen to some of Handel's work. Most soothing!
Everything exceedingly well laid out and presented.
Written October 22, 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.
Claire L
39 contributions
Feb 2020
My husband dragged me to this one and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The historical information and objects are fascinating and we saw a great art exhibit about pregnancy depictions in paintings. Highly recommend.
Written February 29, 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.
Vokon
Haywards Heath, UK112 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
I went with my local U3A group on the wettest day possible, which does colour my review. Visitors need to be aware that the building is not the original Foundling Hospital, but a elegant 1930’s building. However, it does have several rooms furnished with the original 18th Century artefacts, including a complete plastered ceiling!
We had an excellent guided tour which focussed on the art work at the Museum, plenty of Hogarth and musical scripts by Handel. The reason for on,y three stars is that I was hoping for more about the Foundlings and the life they led, what the daily routine was like. The exhibition room on the ground floor is the only real bit devoted to the children themselves, and was very informative, but was only a small part of the whole museum.
We had an excellent guided tour which focussed on the art work at the Museum, plenty of Hogarth and musical scripts by Handel. The reason for on,y three stars is that I was hoping for more about the Foundlings and the life they led, what the daily routine was like. The exhibition room on the ground floor is the only real bit devoted to the children themselves, and was very informative, but was only a small part of the whole museum.
Written March 6, 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.
graeme54-11
Stockport, UK96 contributions
Feb 2020
This is, in my opinion, an important museum which details the positive and negative features of the old Foundling Building. The first such 'home' of its kind, there was a strong, rigid structure to life in the centre which, to modern eyes can seem like an oppressive regime where individuality and fun did not have a place. And yet, life there was so much better than existence on the streets of London where child deaths rates were appalling.
The museum contains historical documents, art work, photographs and personal recollections. The audio from residents form the 1940s and 50s were for me the most significant as these people were still living in loveless structures where even simple pleasures were in short supply.
I recommend a visit - it will enlighten you if you give it the chance.
The museum contains historical documents, art work, photographs and personal recollections. The audio from residents form the 1940s and 50s were for me the most significant as these people were still living in loveless structures where even simple pleasures were in short supply.
I recommend a visit - it will enlighten you if you give it the chance.
Written February 17, 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.
Ferenc M
United Kingdom1,111 contributions
Apr 2022
Although lived in London all my life, never been here before. What an absolute delight. So informative and so interesting. Not just about foundlings but a fascinating history, so perfectly explained and great art too which they got as donations and a lovely Handel section. The Court Room is just amazing and thank you to the volunteer Sue who found us to make us aware of it as we almost bypassed it.
The day we went was a small comic exhibition too which was really interesting.
Have a go on the music machine by the entrance and you'll need a 20p piece. We had to have two go's!!
Its not the cheapest at £9 but if you want something a little different, worth every penny.
And you get 10% off with your ticket at The Lamb pub nearby, a glorious listed pub.
Lovely little park right there too
The day we went was a small comic exhibition too which was really interesting.
Have a go on the music machine by the entrance and you'll need a 20p piece. We had to have two go's!!
Its not the cheapest at £9 but if you want something a little different, worth every penny.
And you get 10% off with your ticket at The Lamb pub nearby, a glorious listed pub.
Lovely little park right there too
Written April 7, 2022
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.
Love and laughter 😍
London, UK679 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
The history of this museum is really interesting as is the video you can watch which is from children who have lived there.
The staff however are really unwelcoming and unknowledgeable. I don’t know whether it’s run by volunteers but I have never been to such an unfriendly place. It was so bad I rushed around the place just so I could leave!
Beautiful building, shame the staff ruin it!
The staff however are really unwelcoming and unknowledgeable. I don’t know whether it’s run by volunteers but I have never been to such an unfriendly place. It was so bad I rushed around the place just so I could leave!
Beautiful building, shame the staff ruin it!
Written August 2, 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.
Dear Elaine
I was very sorry to hear that you felt unwelcome on your visit to the Foundling Museum.
The Museum is run by a small team of staff, who are reliant on the support of a dedicated team of volunteers. Many of our volunteers have been with the Museum for a number of years and they have extensive knowledge of the Museum and its history. However, given the current circumstances, many of our regular and older volunteers aren't able to help out at the moment and we are operating with around 15% of our usual numbers.
You have also just emailed us, so I will contact you direct to find out more about your visit and relay your experience to the front of house team, who are responsible for training our volunteers.
Joanna
Marketing & Communications Manager
Written August 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KShep
14 contributions
Sep 2021
A small museum, and I enjoyed what was there, however felt that there could be more thought put in to the layout and content, and perhaps some more interactive exhibits.
All of the Foundling information and artefacts were crammed in to the downstairs area. There is a 30 minute video to watch of previous inhabitants of the foundling hospital talking about their daily lives as a child of the hospital, their feelings and memories, good and bad. It was an interesting watch, and really helped to evoke the feeling of the what it must have been like, but the screen was oddly placed between two cabinets, with no where to sit, meaning that it was difficult to look at the items in the cabinets if there were people watching the film, and if you were watching them film you needed to be aware of people trying to see in the cabinets. It's also a lot of standing still in a very small space, which seems unnecessary given the size of the building!
The 'tokens' were interesting to see, and probably my favourite part. I also enjoyed reading the kitchen diaries and other documents but would have liked to have seen more artefacts and recreated areas. We also enjoyed the mural at the beginning of the exhibition which listed lots of fictional characters who were orphaned, fostered or adopted.
All of the Foundling information and artefacts were crammed in to the downstairs area. There is a 30 minute video to watch of previous inhabitants of the foundling hospital talking about their daily lives as a child of the hospital, their feelings and memories, good and bad. It was an interesting watch, and really helped to evoke the feeling of the what it must have been like, but the screen was oddly placed between two cabinets, with no where to sit, meaning that it was difficult to look at the items in the cabinets if there were people watching the film, and if you were watching them film you needed to be aware of people trying to see in the cabinets. It's also a lot of standing still in a very small space, which seems unnecessary given the size of the building!
The 'tokens' were interesting to see, and probably my favourite part. I also enjoyed reading the kitchen diaries and other documents but would have liked to have seen more artefacts and recreated areas. We also enjoyed the mural at the beginning of the exhibition which listed lots of fictional characters who were orphaned, fostered or adopted.
Written September 10, 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.
Belle S
United Kingdom21 contributions
May 2021 • Family
What a wonderful place this is! So many go to the bigger museums and ignore this gem of a place. If you are visiting London I suggest you go!
Loved the covid letters exhibition which just shows that children are far more politically astute than adults might believe!
The Handel exhibition and the spectacular art is also wonderful but for me and my daughter it’s the foundling exhibition that makes this so special...especially the foundling tokens which I will admit made me cry! As a crazy ‘Hetty Feather’ fan my 10 year old loved it also.
Anyway, whether you live in London or you’re visiting I’d recommend visiting this wonderful place!
Loved the covid letters exhibition which just shows that children are far more politically astute than adults might believe!
The Handel exhibition and the spectacular art is also wonderful but for me and my daughter it’s the foundling exhibition that makes this so special...especially the foundling tokens which I will admit made me cry! As a crazy ‘Hetty Feather’ fan my 10 year old loved it also.
Anyway, whether you live in London or you’re visiting I’d recommend visiting this wonderful place!
Written May 21, 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.
There is no café at the attraction but as part of our ticket there was a discount at the white Lion pub and another café nearby. there are also several other places to eat near Russell Square.
Written September 18, 2019
Is there anywhere to leave bags whilst you look around?
Written March 20, 2019
How long should we allow to visit this museum?
Written April 10, 2017
We expected to stay about an hour, but it turned out to be nearer two. It does depend if the exhibitions that are on are of particular interest to you. I would allow an hour and a quarter anyway, as there are so many small but fascinating items to see.
Written April 11, 2017
I attended a fascinating lecture on Thomas Coran and the Foundling Children by Mrs Patricia Atkinson (Halifax) at Idle & Thackley Men's Forum. Is there much about Coram family in the museum?
Written August 21, 2015
Yes, information about Coram himself. I don't recall much about his family. It focuses on the foundlings. Well worth a visit. Beautifully presented and with a very nice cafe for a snack!
Written August 22, 2015
Adults £8.25 (including voluntary Gift Aid donation of 75p)
Concessions £5.50 (including voluntary Gift Aid donation of 50p)
Children (up to sixteen years), Art Fund members and Foundling Friends visit FREE
Written June 5, 2015
Do not feel we are the right people to ask this, would hate to say yes & they do not like it, as we are not from that generation.
If you do decided to visit, make sure all 3 read the inside labels on the children's aprons hanging on the pegs, if these alone are worth the visit & make you think. Also do not forget to pick up your free poster of the Hogarth.
Hope we have been of some help to you.
Written February 27, 2015
Is it going to be sufficiently interesting for a 7,9 and 11 year old, The middle one has read and really enjoyed Hetty Feather
Written February 26, 2015
Foundling Museum
London, United Kingdom
Hi Galwaygirl40,
We have many visitors of those ages, and our newly-refurbished Introductory Gallery caters for youngs ones like never before. There are a bunch of activities for children to help them get the most out of the displays, including Hetty Feather trails for fans of the books.
If you'd like any more information on our offering to children, and to ensure your visit doesn't with the visit of a school group, please call Elizabeth Lee on 020 7841 3595
Best,
Foundling Museum
Written February 27, 2015
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