The new London Museum, previously known as the Museum of London, is set to open its doors on 28 November, transforming two historic market halls in Smithfield into a vibrant cultural hub. Director Sharon Ament has described the institution as a "social space for the city," aiming to attract a diverse audience by offering a range of events from monthly dinner clubs and afternoon tea to late-night DJ sets where visitors can interact with artefacts.
This ambitious £437 million project, which has been a decade in the making, seeks to redefine the traditional museum experience. Ms Ament highlighted the museum's commitment to being a "democratic" space, engaging with all Londoners rather than merely serving as a static repository for its extensive collections. She expressed a desire for commuters to pass through the museum and for people to extend their evenings there, offering an alternative form of socialising. The museum's operational hours will be adjusted to align with daily life patterns, including club nights, reflecting its funding by London's taxpayers and its responsibility to the entire populace.
The museum has been closed since 2022, when it departed its former Barbican premises. Its new home in Smithfield features a painstakingly converted structure, with the cavernous market halls connected by a glazed former London street. Paul Williams, principal director of lead architects Stanton Williams, stated that the museum would be "an arena for public life," emphasising interaction over mere display. The Victorian General Market's trading floor will host cultural events, beginning with 'London Tastes,' celebrating the capital's diverse food scene.
The museum's collection comprises 7 million artefacts, spanning London's Neolithic prehistory to contemporary acquisitions. Notable items include the 17th-century Cheapside Hoard, Charles I's vest from his execution, and a segment of the Whitechapel fatberg. Recent acquisitions made during the museum's closure include a Banksy-decorated police sentry box and the Bloomberg Collection of 14,000 Roman artefacts, discovered in 2014 and donated last year.
Funding for the extensive redevelopment has come from various sources, including the City of London Corporation, the Mayor of London, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside other donors. Ms Ament noted that the move into a market environment prompted a re-evaluation of the museum's potential, stating that markets intrinsically possess social qualities often lacking in traditional museum designs. She believes this approach, while challenging for some institutions, represents a broader trend among museum directors to open their doors in more inclusive and engaging ways.
For UK businesses in the hospitality and events sectors, this new approach could present opportunities for collaboration and increased footfall in the Smithfield area. The extended opening hours and diverse event programming may also contribute to the local night-time economy, potentially benefiting nearby restaurants, bars, and transport services. The substantial investment in this cultural landmark underscores a commitment to urban regeneration and enhancing London's appeal as a global destination, which can indirectly support tourism-related businesses across the capital.