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Museum of London
Museum of London Docklands
West Smithfield
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Hidden London

Elephants, Wine and Misdeeds: Archival Curiosities at London Docks

Museums are full of amazing objects exhibited in the galleries, but unbeknown to many, they also house a number of archive collections — much of which are stored behind the scenes. These collections largely consist of records and documentary material which help us uncover hidden but fascinating stories buried deep in paperwork! Here we put the spotlight on some such documents that showcase interesting aspects of London’s docklands and its inner workings, ranging from clandestine wine tastings to a special female police force.

Cityscape

Tiles, tiles, and more London tiles!

From Roman Londinium and 18th-century coffee houses to modern-day Tube stations, London has been home to a vibrant and varied ceramic tile industry for centuries. Here’s a reminder, as we walk the streets of London, to look up and around ourselves, and enjoy this city of tiles.

Londoners

A noxious stink! Early-modern London’s sewage problems

Long before Joseph Bazalgette delivered London City from the Great Stink, Londoners had to live through the stench of dung hills, cesspits and, eventually, the disposal of the contents of fancy-to-everyday chamber pots. So serious was the issue that matters were sometimes even taken to court! Through the museum’s collection, we explore the smelly aspects of early-modern London’s sewage issues.

Look of London

Marvellous moustaches and brilliant beards from the London Collection

Is your upper lip looking less than fan-tache-tic? Are your whiskers whispy? Your sideburns a burden? Your goatee gone wild? Seeking ideas for your Movember look? Well look no further. Here are nine remarkable beards and moustaches from the London Collection to inspire your facial hairstyles this November.
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New Port, New City

1945 – present

No.1 Warehouse

Introductory gallery

Mudlarks

Children's gallery

A free interactive space for children aged up to 8 years old and their parents and carers

Get hands-on in our refreshed children's gallery! Mudlarks introduces the stories told within the museum in an interactive, stimulating environment that supports children's learning and development through exploratory play.

Free tickets to Mudlarks are available to book from 10am the day before you visit. You will need to select your preferred timeslot. Please note that these tickets now include general admission to the Museum of London Docklands.

BOOK MUDLARKS SESSIONS

Session times

Session 1 10:15 – 10:55

Session 2 11:10 – 11:50

Session 3 12:05 – 12:45

Session 4 13:00 – 13:40

Session 5 14:05 – 14:45

Session 6 15:00 – 15:40

Session 7 15:55 – 16:35

Find out more about our safety measures here.

Not to be missed on your visit

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Explore the Docks

Discover our revamped play area and test your skills with our activities.

Become a builder!

Take on our challenges and get hands-on in our newly refreshed Mudlarks gallery.

Two children play in the Mudlarks under-5's gallery at the Museum of London Docklands.

Docklands playtime

Help the dockers lift and transport their cargo in this small-world interactive including cranes, trains and boats.

Children visiting the Mudlarks gallery play with the Tip the Clipper interactive.

Tip the clipper

Experiment with loading cargo and see if you can balance our ship in this role-play interactive.

Explore space

Try driving a DLR train or climb into a boat in specially designed area for babies and very young toddlers.

Gallery access

Children must be accompanied by an adult in the gallery.

10.15am-4.35pm, Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)

The gallery is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible.

Free entry with timed ticket.

Mudlarks also of interest

A Mudlark is someone who searches the river mud for treasures, and this inspires our specially-created, hands-on children’s gallery.

Birthday parties

We offer spaces for birthdays and sleepovers.

Plan your party

Families at the Museum of London Docklands

Visit our family-friendly galleries and explore what fun events we have in store!

Visit our galleries