London Inside Out

24 July 2004

Free entry to the UK’s national Museums has already benefited thousands of school children, yet approximately 1 in 6 youngsters in London still find it difficult to visit the capital’s museums.

London Inside Out, a groundbreaking outreach programme developed by the Museum of London, seeks to change this. Funded by Partners for London with sponsorship from HSBC, it will offer children in London’s hospital schools and special schools, and primary schools that cannot afford to visit, the opportunity to experience the capital’s history first hand.

From September 2003, a merry band of actors, storytellers and object handlers will take the Museum’s historical expertise out of the galleries and into the classroom.

Children will be able to listen first hand to a Victorian photographer’s tales or question a costermonger’s wheeling and dealings in London. They will be able to interact with genuine objects from the past and understand the day-to-day value they had for ordinary individuals and families.

By creating such a hands on environment the Museum of London hopes to encourage children’s curiosity and motivation and help them appreciate the real lives behind the Capital’s changing landscapes.

London Inside Out will run a far reaching programme of events for primary and secondary school pupils at key stage 1-3, and will be linked directly to the National Curriculum. Each session will be tailored to meet the learning needs of the group involved, with supporting resource materials available for teachers to aid with preparation and follow up sessions.

“The Museum of London is all about the story of the great city out there” said Jack Lohman, Director of the Museum “and it is right that one as rich and complex as this should not be contained within these four walls, but taken out and told in every corner of London. Through engaging pupil’s curiosities with colourful actors, stories and music and by making our history fun, London Inside Out will further the Museum of London’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all.”

Press enquiries:

Judith Holmes: 020 7814 5502
Kirsten Monks: 020 7814 5511