Museums in London
A visitor to London could spend several trips to the city just visiting its museums if they so wished and still be left with more to see. There are more than 200 museums in London, from the world renowned British Museum, established in 1753 and the oldest public museum in the world, through the imposing and impressive Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert with its massive collection of art and design from around the around the world over the last 5,000 years, the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands both well worth visiting to learn the story of London, the excellent Imperial War and National Maritime Museums which kids will love for their restored boats, planes, tanks and weapons, to the smaller, quirker ones such as the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street.
The good thing is many of London’s museums are free, the vast majority have very good facilities, are child friendly and have incorporated interactive exhibits. You’ll find museums spread all around London and planning a visit to one them is a good way of checking out certain parts of town.
Here are some of the most popular museums in London
The British Museum - This is literally the granddaddy of them all. One of the world’s most famous and greatest museums is both controversial and free to enter.
The Natural History Museum - One of the big three museums in South Kensington, this is best known for it dinosaur exhibition and it’s great for kids.
The Science Museum - This sits alongside the Natural History Museum and makes a great visit even in a short time, although it’s filled with interactive exhibits so losing track of time is quite easy as well.
The Victoria and Albert Museum - This one also sits next to the Natural History and Science museums, and it’s the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, featuring more than 4.5 million objects on display.
Museum of London - This museum documents the complete history of this fine city, from prehistoric days through the present. It’s well worth a visit for anyone who’s fond of England’s capital.
Museum in Docklands - Only open since 2003, this museum deals with the history of London as a port, and they’ve recently added a fascinating exhibit dealing with the slave trade.
National Maritime Museum - The world’s largest maritime museum is located in Greenwich and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the seafaring culture and history.
The Imperial War Museum - This famous facility shows off a bewildering display of military vehicles, war memorabilia, weapons, and everything else related to Britain’s many wars over the centuries.
Royal Observatory Greenwich - Most famous for being the home to the line that divides the Western Hemisphere from the Eastern, this museum is located a bit out of the way, but in a lovely location overlooking the Thames.
The Wellcome Collection - This centrally located museum houses medical artefacts, books, and other objects relating to the medical sciences through history.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum - The fictional home of the world’s most famous detective might be best for enthusiasts only, but visiting the outside could be worthwhile for anyone.
HMS Belfast - This World War II ship has been restored to its original look, and serves as an interesting museum of warships during the era.
Florence Nightingale Museum - Located at the St. Thomas Hospital, this museum is dedicated to the life of the world’s most famous nurse.
More detailed information on museum locations and hours all in one place
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