London has a handful of world-class and world famous museums. But they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city’s artifact offerings. Here are 10 of London’s lesser-known, more unusual museums worthy of your attention.
Churchill War Rooms – Westminster
- In a nutshell: The bunker where Britain’s wartime government sheltered during the Blitz. Dioramas depict the operations center at work. The museum also pays homage to Winston Churchill’s life.
- Admission: £17/$25
Geffrye Museum – Shoreditch
- In a nutshell: See how tastes, behaviors and technologies have developed since the 18th century. A succession of dioramas depicts ‘typical’ middle-class living quarters across different time periods.
- Admission: Free
The Household Cavalry Museum – Westminster
- In a nutshell: Learn about the horse-mounted military division that guards the Queen on ceremonial occasions at its majestic Grade I listed stables.
- Admission: £6/$9
Horniman Museum & Gardens – Lambeth
- In a nutshell: The eclectic and eccentric collection of Victorian tea magnate Frederick John Horniman. A massive stuffed walrus and a papier-maché merman sculpture are its most famous exhibits.
- Admission: Free
The Old Operating Theatre – London Bridge
- In a nutshell: Britain’s oldest operating theater. Operations took place here in the early 1800s, in the days when medical equipment was primitive, and anesthesia was unavailable. Be sure to time a visit so it coincides with a talk.
- Admission: £6.20/$9.25
Leighton House Museum – Holland Park
- In a nutshell: The former home and studio of the Victorian artist Lord Frederic Leighton. When it comes to opulence, this residence rivals even the most well turned out private houses in neighboring Kensington.
- Admission: £5/$7.50
V&A Museum of Childhood – Bethnal Green
- In a nutshell: This is where the V&A Museum exhibits its collection of child-related objects. Toys, dolls, games, teddy bears, clothing and paintings are all here.
- Admission: Free
The Whitechapel Bell Foundry – Whitechapel
- In a nutshell: The working foundry of the company that created the Big Ben bell (the one in the clock tower at the Houses of Parliament. Founded in 1570, it’s Britain’s oldest continuously operating company.
- Admission: £12/$18 (tours must be pre-booked)
The Magic Circle’s Museum – Euston
- In a nutshell: This private club of magicians has a museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving what they call, the craft of magic. There are some great anecdotes and artifacts connected to famous magicians, for example the handcuffs used by legendary escape artist Harry Houdini.
- Admission: Free
Freud Museum – Hampstead
- In a nutshell: Former home of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud (he moved to London after fleeing the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938). The museum pays tribute to his life and works. His famous patient’s couch is the most symbolic of the exhibits.
- Admission: £6/$9
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Main image: heatheronhertravels)
