Museum of London

The Museum of London tells the story of the city from prehistoric times to the present — 450,000 objects, free to enter, and currently in transition between its old Barbican site and a major new home in the historic Smithfield Market buildings nearby.

The New Smithfield Site

The museum relocated to Smithfield in 2026, transforming the Victorian general market buildings into one of the largest museum spaces in the country. The new galleries are significantly larger and the site's Victorian ironwork architecture is itself worth seeing.

What to See

The Roman London galleries — covering Londinium, the city's 2,000-year-old foundation — are the strongest. The Victorian street reconstruction and the Great Fire of London galleries are perennial favourites. Prehistoric and medieval London galleries complete the sweep through the city's layers.

Tips

• Free to enter — no booking required for permanent galleries.
• The Smithfield site is near Barbican and St Paul's — combine with both for a City day.
• Check the current opening status and hours online — the new site's schedule is still settling.

Two Sites

The Museum of London is currently split across two locations while a new flagship site in Smithfield is developed — check which site holds the collection or exhibition you're interested in before travelling, as the two are not interchangeable.

Museum of London Docklands

Housed in a Georgian warehouse in Canary Wharf, this site focuses on the history of the docks, the slave trade's connection to London's port, and the city's maritime commercial history — a different focus to the main collection, and free to enter.

Tips

• Check which site covers your interest before visiting — the collection is currently split.
• Museum of London Docklands is free and often overlooked by visitors focused on central London.