What we collect
The Museum of London's collections span over 10,000 years and seven million objects. Find out about how we organise our collections by time and type, and the huge range of material we hold.
We are currently unable to accept new object donations
This is so that we can focus on getting the collections currently stored at London Wall ready for the move to our new home in Smithfield. Whilst we undertake this essential work, we will only be acquiring new objects in exceptional cases, which we have already identified. We realise this may be disappointing news, but we hope you will understand the reasons for our decision.
Prehistoric
Our prehistoric collection showcases the variety and sophistication of life in the London area before the city existed.
Roman
The Roman collection includes over 47,000 objects that evidence the ancient city of Londinium at work, worship, rest and play
Saxon and medieval
The museum also has over 700 objects of the Saxon period and around 12,000 items in its medieval collections.
Tudor and Stuart
The Tudor and Stuart collections span the period 1485 – 1714, and reflect the huge changes in London life and society during this time.
Decorative arts
The decorative arts collection reflects the important role of London in manufacturing and retailing luxury goods.
Dress and textiles
The focus of this collection are clothes and textiles made, sold, bought and worn in London from the 16th century to the present.
Paintings, prints and drawings
The Museum of London holds works by major artists, as well as a wealth of images that reveal the topographical, social and artistic life of London from the 16th century to the present.
Photographs
Our visual history of London during the second half of the 19th and 20th centuries includes work by professional and amateur photographers and covers most aspects of London life.
Social and working history
This collection reflects the historic trade and industry of the city, as well as the everyday lives of millions of Londoners.
Port and river collection
The Port and River archive tells the story of the formation and development of what was once the world’s greatest port.
Life stories and oral history
The Museum of London has been collecting the memories of Londoners since the 1980s.
Sainsbury Archive
The Sainsbury Archive documents the history of Sainsbury’s from its foundation in Drury Lane in 1869 to the present day.
Port of London Authority Archive
A unique repository of objects, documents, plans, photographs and film charting the development of the Port of London and the River Thames from the late 18th century, to redevelopment in the 20th century.