Leighton House Museum
It's not hyperbole to say that London is home to many of the world's best museums. Venues such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Design Museum can justly lay claim to being the best in their field (and most of them are free too). But with so many famous institutions dominating the itineraries of tourists, it can be easy to overlook London's cornucopia of lesser-known gems. With that in mind, I've rounded up 50 of the best unusual London museums for people looking for alternatives to the big hitters. I've termed them "unusual" not because their subject matter is weird - although, sometimes, that is the case - but because they're not the usual choice for visitors to the city.
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1. Leighton House Museum, Holland Park
Its exterior may be unprepossessing, but Leighton House Museum’s beautifully opulent interiors must rival the most lavish private houses in surrounding Kensington. The building was once the home and studio of the Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton and it remains a showcase for his spectacular artefacts. The central Arab Hall displays Leighton’s dazzling collection of shimmering Islamic tiles, but other ornate rooms impress with antique furniture and tasteful contemporary art displays. If possible it’s worth timing your visit to coincide with the free tours given at certain times on Wednesdays and Sundays.
2. The Quirky World of The Cartoon Museum, Holborn
Tucked within the urban maze, not far from the grandeur of the British Museum, lies an exquisite gem, the Cartoon Museum. This hidden treasure holds the vision of conserving and appreciating the art of British caricature, cartoons, and comics. Boasting a vast chronicle of works from the 18th century till date, it entices visitors across all age groups as they chance upon familiar comic strips that rekindle memories or simply amuse. Exhibits range from light-hearted, immensely popular comic art to the rare, politically charged masterpieces. In an effort to quench your thirst for knowledge, the establishment facilitates appointments to delve deeper into their archives, creating an educational ground for comic book enthusiasts and scholarly researchers alike.
3. The Historic Operating Theatre near London Bridge
Dating back to the 1800s, the Old Operating Theatre functioned as a surgical ward for the critically ill patients of St. Thomas's Hospital. Chronicling a period when medical instruments were crude and anaesthetics non-existent, the theatre played host to daunting surgical procedures such as limb amputations. Seasoned surgeons could accomplish the operation in less than sixty seconds, while less experienced medics often took considerably more time as they strove to navigate through complex and mutilated extremities. Weekly presentations held at the theatre transform the harmless looking wooden-walled room into a gripping scene from a historical medical drama. Hence, it's recommended to schedule your visit in synchronisation with such a talk. Complementing this atmospheric ambience, the adjoining herb garret exhibit showcases related medicinal artefacts.
The Old Operating Theatre
4. The Notting Hill based Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
Have you ever reflected on the intimate connection you share with the everyday products you regularly pick up from your local grocery stores? This is the intriguing exploration instigated by the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising. This extraordinary collection, founded by the consumer historian Robert Opie, embraces over 12,000 authentic items, with familiar items ranging from cereal boxes, to tins of beans, to packets of custard powder. Picture yourself meandering through the extensive exhibition, much like leafing through a superbly filled pantry. Get ready to rediscover countless discontinued items that once graced your family's culinary space.
5. Exploring The Hidden Treasures of The Vault at Hard Rock Café on Park Lane
It's quite intriguing to observe tourists eagerly waiting in line for a table at the famed Hard Rock Café amongst London's distinct dining destinations. However, those with an affinity for music-related keepsakes will find themselves truly captivated by The Vault. Aptly named after its previous life as part of the reputable Coutts Bank, The Vault is now a vault of a different kind--it safeguards prized artifacts from music's rich history. This exhibition corner boasts an array of intriguing mementos, among which are the cherished guitar of Guns N’ Roses’ guitarist Slash from the iconic 'November Rain' music video, a frequently played harpsichord from The Beatles, and curiously, one of Madonna's former credit cards. The Vault is accessible seven days a week, with operating hours varying from the main dining area – generally, the display is available for public viewing from 11am until 10.30pm. The best part? Admission to The Vault is absolutely free.
6. British Dental Association Dental Museum, Marylebone
Its origins may date back almost 100 years but there are still plenty of lifelong Londoners oblivious to the existence of the BDA Dental Museum. Its foundations date back to 1919 when Lilian Lindsay, the first female to qualify as a dentist in the country, donated a number of old dental instruments to the association. Today the museum’s collection includes some 20,000 items with dental instruments, furniture, photographs and art all on display. With few people enthusiastic about a trip to the dentist, going to the museum might be another way to pay your respects to this field of medicine.
7. Exploring the Remarkable Pollock’s Toy Museum in Fitzrovia
Explore the labyrinthine, curiosity-packed environment of Pollock's Toy Museum and get lost amid a bevy of antiques objects culled from childhood dreams. Housed in two adjoined buildings near Goodge Street, it's impossible not to stumble upon a familiar toy from your younger years as you meander from room to room within this fascinating museum. While the primary objects on display tend to mirror a youthful theme, the museum often caters more aptly to adults longing for a walk down memory lane, rather than children looking for a fleeting form of amusement.
8. Explore the Dark Side at The Crime Museum, New Scotland Yard
When it comes to exploring the macabre side of London's history, The Crime Museum, also known as The Black Museum, at New Scotland Yard stands out as one of its most morbid destinations. This intriguing museum houses a vast collection of weapons that have been used in infamous murders and serious assaults throughout the city, including those connected to notorious figures like Jack the Ripper and Charlie Peace.
Although The Crime Museum isn't open to the general public due to the shocking and emotive nature of the cases it holds, it occasionally welcomes members of the police forces and associated bodies for lectures on forensic science, pathology, law, and investigative techniques. This provides a unique opportunity for professionals in the field to learn from the past and explore the evolution of crime-solving methods.
Discover the secrets behind some of London's most notorious crimes and gain insight into the field of criminal investigation by delving into the engrossing world of The Crime Museum.
9. Delve into the past at Geffrye Museum, Hackney
For design enthusiasts and interior decor lovers, the Geffrye Museum nestled in the heart of Hoxton offers an enticing adventure. Housed within a chain of combined 18th-century almshouses, this unique museum showcases an array of domestic interiors embodying middle-class living through the ages. Visitors can embark on their historical journey starting from a classic 17th-century dwelling, progressing patiently to the modern-day. The open expanses of period gardens replicate this historical journey outdoors, offering a rich exploration experience when the weather allows.
The Geffrye Museum
10. Household Cavalry Museum
The imposing, Grade I-listed Horse Guards in Whitehall makes an impressive setting for the Household Cavalry Museum. The Household Cavalry guards the Queen on ceremonial occasions and also forms an operational regiment that serves around the world; visitors to the museum can learn about its role in detail through interactive displays and can often see members of the cavalry tending to their duties and caring for their horses in the Horse Guards’ 18th-century stables.
Household Cavalry Museum
11. Magic Circle Museum, Euston
By Euston Station, The Magic Circle is a private club where magicians converge; the Magic Circle Museum is a connected space that gives the rest of us insight into how the world’s greatest illusionists operate. Accompanied by guides, visitors can view props used by the likes of Harry Houdini and Chung Ling Soo, the rifles used for Maurice Fogel’s ‘bullet catch’ and hundreds of rare posters.
12. The Unique Freud Museum in Hampstead
Just a leisurely walk away from the Finchley Road Underground station, you'll find the Freud Museum. This fascinating museum is parked right in the former residence of renowned personality, Sigmund Freud, and his family. After the family fled the Nazi invasion of Austria in 1938, the home served as their sanctuary until Anna Freud, the youngest Freud, passed away in 1982. In her last wishes, she requested the home where she'd lived to be turned into a museum that honored her father's contributions to his field. Today, visitors can appreciate the historical house teeming with personal belongings of both Anna and Sigmund. The most intriguing item is Freud’s own psychoanalytic couch, but the museum also houses a vast collection of antiquities, his personal-use writing desk, and a variety of pieces from his expansive library.
13. The Unique Sewing Machine Museum, Balham, London
Located within the premises of the Wimbledon Sewing Machine Company, the London Sewing Machine Museum takes you on a journey through time showcasing the development and transformation of both household and commercial sewing machines. The museum boasts a collection of around 700 varied models. Sewing enthusiasts will find great delight in viewing a model of the pioneer Singer machine and a unit that was originally in the possession of Queen Victoria’s oldest offspring. This characterful site draws the attention of various creatives, not just those with a penchant for fashion and textiles. It's worth noting that the museum opens its doors to the public only on the first Saturday of every month.
14. Uncover History at London Fire Brigade Museum, Southwark
The London Fire Brigade Museum situated in Southwark serves as an intriguing stop for not only adults who once dreamed of a career in firefighting, but offers substantial appeal for all visitors. This exceptional museum, formerly a segment of the original Southwark fire station, boasts an array of remarkable exhibits, including antique fire engines and a gear room stocked with equipment from the Victorian era. Filled with numerous exhibits to discover, a prior scheduled visitation is necessary. Each guest will also have the opportunity to navigate through the museum with a knowledgeable guide trailing alongside. This museum provides an in-depth view into the evolution of fire fighting techniques and equipment, thereby making it a center of amazement and learning. The courageous world of firefighters is beautifully showcased here, making it an essential addition to any London itinerary.
15. The Enigmatic Museum of Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street
Legendary author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle painted a vivid picture of his created characters, Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, residing at 221b Baker Street. This address today houses the intriguing Sherlock Holmes Museum. Despite the characters being a figment of Doyle's imagination, the museum successfully recreates an atmosphere suggestive of their existence with numerous antiquities filling the multi-storeyed building. These artefacts mimic the paraphernalia that our beloved detective and his trusty companion might have used. An additional feature enhancing the visitors' experience and adorning their travel albums is the characteristically dressed man, most typically found at the entrance, offering guests a delightful snapshot opportunity.
16. The Royal London Museum in Whitechapel
If you step within the realms of the Royal London Hospital, you will stumble upon the Royal London Museum. This museum chronicles the significant history of the hospital and the unique cases it has encountered. The ambiance is set by the display of vintage surgical tools, historical uniforms, and miscellaneous keepsakes. A major draw for visitors is the exhibit dedicated to forensic medicine, featuring original documents linked to the chilling Jack the Ripper crimes. Another intriguing facet of this museum is its connection to Joseph Merrick, known widely as the 'Elephant Man'. Merrick took residence in a custom-made room at the hospital for the last four years of his life, with several of his personal items (including his symbolic hat and veil) still preserved for public viewing.
17. Discover the Bank of England Museum, A Hidden Gem in the City of London
With the complexities of global finance increasing by the day, this may be the perfect time to step into the Bank of England Museum where you can immerse yourself in financial history and education. Take an intriguing journey through time, starting from the establishment of the Bank of England in 1694 to its current important role. Gaze at collections that include not just age-old currency and coins, but also historical imagery, ornate furniture of bygone eras, and the enchanting gleam of gold bars. A pleasing aspect is the museum's free entry, a considerate gesture especially with the straining financial climate. The museum is not only a sanctuary of knowledge and history, but it is also an exciting exploration into the world of finance, currency, and economics.
Entry to the Bank of England Museum is free
18. The Unconventional Attraction: The Garden Museum, Lambeth
Tucked away in the historical St Mary's church in Lambeth, you'll discover the peaceful haven of the Garden Museum beating rhythmically along with the pulsing Thames adjacent to it. This ambiently transformed church is a sanctuary for revolving exhibits that delve into the various aspects and issues associated with British gardens. These exhibitions are complemented by engaging lectures. Consistent displays of various artworks, garden tools, and other horticultural paraphernalia further enrich the visitors' experience. Venturing outside, attendees are greeted by a meticulously maintained knot garden, and the final resting place of renowned gardeners John the Elder and Younger.
19. The Enthralling World Rugby Museum Located in Twickenham
Immersed within the iconic surroundings of the Twickenham Stadium, the World Rugby Museum is a treasure trove of rugby history housing an extensive compilation of rugby artefacts from around the globe. Acting as custodians to an astonishing 10,000 items, not all are on public display. Those lucky enough to visit can expect to lay eyes on coveted trophies, snapshots of historical significance and archival collections of match programmes and tickets. An advisable aspect to your visit could be to coincide it with one of the guided tours of the Twickenham Stadium (subject to an additional fee). On offer when in operation, the tour allows ardent supporters the thrill of walking the legendary pitch and players’ tunnel.
20. Unveiling Architectural Marvels at New London Architecture, Holborn
Dive into the fascinating realm of London's infrastructural designs and urban planning at New London Architecture. The publicly accessible corridors of the establishment seek to enlighten visitors about the city's evolving skyline and architectural endeavors. An ever-running series of in-depth debates and discussions explore significant architectural issues, lending insights into the urban complexities of the metropolis. If your visit is a short one, don't miss the interactive scaled model of central London. Spanning a length of 12.5 meters, the 1:1500 scale model casts an impressive sight. Moreover, the addition of touchscreens adds an immersive dimension to the model, enabling you to virtually explore upcoming London structures that have secured planning clearance and are underway. This colossal project aims not only to educate, but to provide a tantalizing glimpse into the future landscape of one of the world's most historic cities.
21. Kennington's Unique Cinema Museum
Get swept off your feet and step back in time with a visit to the Cinema Museum in Kennington. This unusual institution offers a nostalgic salute to the golden eras of cinematography prior to the digital invasion, when a trip to the cinema was a doorway to other realms and the promise of adventure. Take your time to delve deep into an impressive archive of memorabilia that spans from photographs, antique cinema apparatus, old film posters to uniforms of cinema staff of yesteryears. Enjoy knowledgeable, volunteer-led tours that require prior appointment due to their popularity, and engage with fellow movie buffs and industry experts through an engaging line-up of screenings and dialogue sessions.
22. The Fan Museum in Greenwich
In the heart of Greenwich, you'll find the one-of-a-kind Fan Museum, a globally unique institution focussed solely on the exhibition of fans. You may find this intriguing; maybe unexpected. Positioned within an 18th-century Grade II listed structure, the museum is host to an impressive array of over 3,500 fans, of which many are historic pieces rather than contemporary. With some exhibits harking back to the 11th century, this unique collection is sure to fascinate and engage the majority of visitors in just one visit. Fashion and design enthusiasts, however, may find themselves drawn back due to the dynamic range of temporary exhibitions that the museum showcases every few months. Additionally, the museum also offers a reasonably priced afternoon tea on certain days, adding a delightful touch to your visit.
23. Childhood Museum at V&A, Bethnal Green
While the V&A Museum in South Kensington is globally renowned for being one of the top museums in the fields of art and design, its lesser-known companion, the Childhood Museum located in Bethnal Green, is equally remarkable. The Childhood Museum is where V&A showcases its historic collection of childhood-related artifacts, some of which date back to several decades and even centuries ago. It's definitely a worthwhile visit, regardless of visitor's age. The museum also hosts a series of free daily activities specifically crafted for children. Run by the museum's knowledgeable curators, these activities aim not only to provide entertainment but also to stimulate young minds with educational content.
24. The Intriguing Petrie Museum, Euston
Nestled in the heart of UCL is the unexpected treasure that is the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. Though it may be modest in size, its enormous vault of over 80,000 artefacts arguably makes it one of the most exceptional museums of its kind globally. Its remarkable collection boasts impressive antiquities such as sculpted lions from the ancient Min temple at Koptos, an artefact dating back to roughly 3,000 BC, and the oldest known wills written on papyrus paper. Other highlights include a fascinating assortment of vintage costumes and a captivating series of mummy portraits from the Roman era. Visitor access can vary, so it's advised to confirm opening hours prior to your visit.
25. Discover the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, Whitechapel
Hidden in the heart of Whitechapel is a jewel that goes by the name of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, a site known for its longevity and legacy. Cherishing a rich history that dates back to 1570, it proudly carries the badge of being Britain's oldest running manufacturing company. Its crowning accolade, however, is the role it played in the construction of the Big Ben bell for the Palace of Westminster. Visitors are welcomed into a compact display room in the entrance, which is the launching pad for the infrequently organized excursions that grant a deeper look into the foundry's fascinating craft of bell-making. These rare glimpses into areas usually reserved for employees, offer an exclusive overview of the painstaking process that goes into casting bells. Spaces on these tours are a hot commodity due to the foundry's modest dimensions, so each available slot is highly sought-after and promptly taken.
26. The Remarkable Museum of Sir John Soane, Holborn
London is graced with the reverberations of the influential architect Sir John Soane's work, who is known for his outstanding creations like the Bank of England, Dulwich Picture Gallery, and a myriad of other structures. However, what captivates the lovers of architecture even more is an intimate visit to his personal residential haven. Intent on fostering the learning of architecture enthusiasts and academians, Soane bequeathed the Lincoln’s Inn Fields property to become an architectural museum post his demise in 1837. Since then, the property has retained its grandeur and uniqueness, untouched by modern alternations. As you stroll through the rooms, you will be enthralled by an array of ancient treasures and intriguing oddities including time-honoured artifacts from Egypt and the Orient, vintage timepieces, and antiquated furniture. The museum hosts enchanting candle-lit evenings on every first Tuesday of the month which are extremely well-liked, thus often resulting in an overflow of enthusiastic visitors. The museum offers an unparalleled window into Sir John Soane's world, interweaving history, architecture, and personal narrative in a unique way.
Sir John Soane's Museum
27. The Fascinating Ragged School Museum in Mile End
The 1800s period in Britain bore witness to the establishment of 'ragged schools', an initiative aimed towards providing education for children under the constraints of poverty. The Ragged School Museum, located in Mile End, diligently uncovers the living conditions experienced by students of ragged schools. Amongst the exhibits are a variety of learning paraphernalia including desks, ink vessels, and slab boards, in addition to artifacts connected to the leisure and work customs of that period. The high point of the museum is its authentic Victorian-era classroom. This well-preserved space offers insights into its original set up in an erstwhile ragged school, and provides the most immersive experience during the recurrent open-house sessions. Visitors of all demographics are actively taught by actors in period attire at these events, making it a unique interactive educational journey. Interestingly, many ragged schools were converted into public elementary schools with the passage of the Elementary Education Act of 1870. Also noteworthy is how this social movement influenced other countries, leading to the establishment of similar schools in places as far away as Canada and Australia.
28. Spotlight on Florence Nightingale Museum, Lambeth
The captivating history of the renowned Lady with the Lamp comes to life at the Florence Nightingale Museum located in Lambeth. The institution meticulously presents every chapter of her life. From the comforts and luxuries of her early life to her tireless efforts during the perilous Crimean War, the museum intricately reveals her journey. The display comprises engaging visuals and pivotal artefacts. This collection includes some of Florence's own belongings, such as an intriguing set of letters crafted by her.
29. Victoria Embankment's Two Temple Place
An architectural gem from the Victorian era, Two Temple Place was previously the opulent residence of William Waldorf Astor. Astor was deemed to be the wealthiest man globally when he migrated to England in 1891. The building's sophisticated design was the masterpiece of John Loughborough Pearson, a highly acclaimed architect known for his neo-Gothic style during the late 19th century. This ornate edifice is usually closed off from public, only opening its doors for an annual exhibition from January to April that presents a plethora of publicly owned art collections from various regions of the country. During the exhibition season, group tours can be arranged on weekdays, while outside of this period, touring opportunities are also available but require prior booking. Astor's influence made Two Temple Place an essential emblem of wealth and affluence in 19th-century England, often hosting grandiose social events. Today, the house not only serves as a museum but also continues to be a stunning reminder of architectural brilliance in the Victorian era.
Inside Two Temple Place