What’s happening at Museum of London?

The £20.5 million redevelopment of our lower galleries will retell the story of London and Londoners from 1666 to the present day, dramatically transforming the Museum with an innovative design that opens up more space and creates a new glass-fronted gallery overlooking London Wall.

Over 4000 objects will be displayed alongside specially developed interactive and immersive exhibits which together will chart London’s phenomenal change over 350 years: rising from the ashes of a fire-ravaged city in the mid-17th century to its place today as one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities.

While the galleries will tell the great success story of our capital, Londoners themselves will tell their own stories with objects on display bearing witness to their achievements, hopes, fears and ideas - from 18th century builders who laid out the squares and streets of the West End to 19th century seamstresses and 20th century black activists.

This spectacular transformation will include the following highlights:

• The City gallery – marvel at the craftsmanship of the Lord Mayor’s Coach, visible for the first time from London Wall in this new glass-fronted gallery which look at City life past and present
• The Sackler Hall – surrounded by film and images shown on a high-density plasma screen, you’ll be startled by the technology that enables interaction with London past and present. Relax and reflect on your visit with a new benugo cafe and information zone
• Inspiring London – a showcase for the Museum’s art collection and London's creative talent
• Capital Concerns – explore London’s distinctive and contemporary challenges with a moving stream of London icons and interactive images

 

• 18th century pleasure garden – enjoy the theatrical sights and sounds of our re-created 18th century pleasure garden which will feature a pavilion for performances as well as benches for you to rest and soak up the atmosphere

 

• Clore Learning Centre – opening in September 2009 the thoughtfully designed e-learning facilities and new flexible rooms will make learning exciting and memorable for school children and adults alike
• The Theatre – take advantage of our fully modernised auditorium with 230 seats and technology for presentation and broadcast links

The project, which is the largest the Museum has seen since opening in 1976, will significantly increase access to our objects, both in the galleries and online. With Museum of London now 30 years old, this facelift will bring the Museum into the 21st century and create a destination that Londoners will find as engaging, diverse and inspirational as the city itself.

The new galleries will open in spring 2010 so make sure you come back to see the results of the magnificent makeover for yourself!