Londoners and visitors alike can anticipate the grand reopening of the city's premier historical institution, now rebranded as the London Museum. Scheduled to welcome its first guests on 28th November 2026, the new museum will occupy the meticulously restored Victorian General Market building in Smithfield, a site that has stood disused for three decades.
The original Museum of London, located at London Wall in the Barbican, closed its doors in 2022 after attracting approximately one million visitors annually to its extensive urban history collection. Its relocation marks a significant chapter in the capital's cultural landscape, transforming a historic but neglected landmark into a vibrant public space.
The chosen location in Smithfield is steeped in history, known for its 800-year-old meat market and medieval heritage. This area, already home to St Paul's Cathedral and the Barbican Arts Centre, is set to become an even more prominent cultural hub with the arrival of what is described as the world's largest city museum.
The London Museum promises an unparalleled journey through 450,000 years of the city's past, present, and future. Its permanent collection will feature an astounding seven million objects from London's 33 boroughs. Notable exhibits are expected to include ancient Roman writing tablets, a vest worn by Charles I at his execution, Anna Pavlova’s ‘Dying Swan’ dress, and Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal, alongside contemporary pieces like Banksy’s Piranhas artwork.
Sharon Ament, director of the London Museum, emphasised the collaborative effort behind the project, stating, "At the beginning, we asked ourselves how to be the best museum for London, the answer is, to be London itself, in all its grit and glitter." The museum's design, envisioned by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, aims to create a dynamic social space. Beyond the exhibition halls, visitors can expect a restaurant, a shop, and dedicated areas for families and schools. Plans also include an innovative day-to-night programme, with potential collaborations extending to local institutions like Fabric nightclub and Morley’s chicken shop.
The museum will be organised into three distinct sections: 'Real Time', focusing on contemporary London; 'Our Time', showcasing eclectic objects from living memory; and 'Past Time', dedicated to the city’s extensive history. This comprehensive approach seeks to offer a holistic understanding of London's evolution, celebrating its diverse past, vibrant present, and potential future.
What this means for you: This new cultural landmark offers an exciting new attraction for both London residents and tourists, providing an immersive experience into the city's rich history and future aspirations.
Practical advice for UK travellers: While the museum is free to enter, some special exhibitions may incur a charge. Check the official London Museum website closer to the opening date for details on booking and opening hours. No visa is required for UK citizens to visit the museum. The FCO has no travel warnings for central London.
Travel insurance considerations: Standard travel insurance for domestic trips within the UK is generally not required for a day trip to London, but always assess your personal circumstances.
Source: London Museum