Visiting museums in the UK is a must tourism program. But if the traditional places have already been explored, then it’s time to treat yourself to a trip to the extraordinary establishments of London.
Say no to conservatism!
Historical, local history and other similar museums have been studied far and wide by tourists, so we offer you a list of ten alternative places that will definitely interest you.
- Museum of Childhood. Perhaps almost everyone would like to come here. After all, it is here that a huge number of toys and games are collected, the history of which begins several centuries ago and reaches the present day. Old railways, real tin soldiers, Victorian dolls staring at visitors with their empty eyes, as well as modern computer games and quirky toys. In such a place it will be interesting not only for children, but also for parents who would not mind returning to childhood at least for a minute.
- Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising. This exposition deservedly falls into the top interesting places capital of Britain. Modern people often don’t even pay attention to what products are packaged in, what is written on leaflets that are distributed on the streets, and what we're talking about in an advertisement that suddenly interrupts the film. But once you visit this exhibition, you will have a unique opportunity to trace the entire history of the development of the era of consumption. You will be able to see very interesting exhibits: the first vacuum cleaner, more like a large accordion with a hose, the first cigarette packs, beverage cans, various household chemicals and much more.
- Grant Zoological Museum. This list will not be complete without a fascinating collection of the rarest animals. But perhaps one of the strangest exhibits in Grant's exhibition is a collection of moles placed in formaldehyde. But this is not the most surprising thing that can be seen in zoological museum– heads and brains of various animals preserved in alcohol and divided in half – this is real adrenaline.
- Barth Pathology Museum. The exhibition was founded in London back in 1879 and has not lost its relevance since then. But you should be prepared - the exhibits here are definitely not for the faint of heart or impressionable. By the way, you can see with your own eyes parts of the body of John Bellingham, the murderer of the British Prime Minister.
- Horniman Gardens and Museum. This is a truly fascinating world where you can look at natural beauty, fauna, and also, together with your children, try to comprehend the basics of various crafts and art.
- Pollock Toy Museum. Tourists who want to relive their childhood do not come here. The atmosphere in this place is more suitable for horror films: long dark corridors, creaking floors and rather strange toys. You will be greeted by dolls with glass eyes, teddy bears and various puppets.
- Klink Prison Museum. Looking for a thrill? Then you are at the right place. Here you will learn about the everyday life of prisoners, you will be able to see and even try various instruments of torture. And for a fee, you will be happy to be placed in a cell for the night.
- Ripley's Museum of Extraordinary Things. Truly unusual place, where literally everything is surprising: dinosaur eggs, wax copies ordinary people, animals with various mutations. In addition, you will always find something to have fun there, because the exhibition features laser shows and labyrinths.
- Harry Potter Museum. It is unlikely that any fan will be able to resist visiting this exhibition, since it is organized directly at the filming location. You will be surrounded by real scenery, as well as fascinating stories about the work of the team that made the film adaptation of the book possible.
- Royal London Hospital Museum. First of all, it is famous for the fact that in the 19th century Joseph Merrick lived here, who gained popularity thanks to the deformities of his body, for which he was nicknamed “the elephant man”. Also, having provided all possible assistance in the investigations into the case of the famous murderer Jack the Ripper, the exhibition acquired some very valuable exhibits.
You may not find these places in London guidebooks, but they are worth a visit if you want to get to know the history of the city and its mysteries.
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Travel is The best way relax and enjoy new sensations and impressions. Every city in the world contains a huge cultural heritage peoples who lived and are living in it. Millions of tourists from all over the world form a completely chaotic flow of people thirsting for novelty, and the service industry reacts to this. Now you can fly anywhere, but a real life hacker understands that all these travel agencies and excursion companies work with maximum convenience for themselves.
Everything is put on a conveyor belt: the next batch of guests is loaded onto buses, transported along a well-established route, something is sold along the way, and now you seem to have seen all the delights of the place you have arrived at. But anyone Big City conceals many secrets and mysteries that will not be shown to you on a regular excursion. These places may not be in guidebooks, but they are definitely worth seeing. In our series of articles we will tell you about such places in various cities around the world, and London is first on the list.
1. Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising (Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising)
The entire history of consumer culture from 1800 to the present day in one place. This specialized museum houses more than 12 thousand original items from Robert Opie's unique collection. Here you can learn how today's favorite brands have achieved loyalty and recognition through creative packaging and advertising of their products.
Address: 2 Colville Mews, London, W11 2AR
Website: www.museumofbrands.com
2. Rolling Bridge (transformable bridge)
This is a real miracle of engineering. At first glance, it may seem that this is not a bridge at all, but some kind of huge animated mechanical caterpillar. Initially, the creators of the bridge solved a completely ordinary problem: they needed a pedestrian bridge that would allow boats to sail under it. Agree, the solution turned out to be at least unusual. Even on video, the transformation of this structure is mesmerizing. Imagine what it would be like to see this live. This is what a creative approach to solving quite trivial problems means. It is not for nothing that Thomas Heatherwick, the creator of this transforming bridge, received the prestigious British Structural Steel Design Award.
Address: Paddington Basin, west London
About the project: Rolling Bridge
Vicki: Rolling Bridge
3. Ripley's London Museum (Ripley's Museum of Incredible Things)
In fact, this is a whole network of museums scattered around the world, and one of its branches is located in London. What is interesting and unusual about it? Everything. The museum’s slogan is “Believe it or not,” and the exhibits fully justify it.
The most unusual things from all over the world are collected here - dinosaur eggs, wax figures-copies of “non-standard” people, stuffed animals with the most incredible shapes and mutations. Exhibitions are complemented by all kinds of entertainment events: a mirror labyrinth, a trip to black hole, laser show tests.
Address: 1 Piccadilly Circus, London, W1J ODA
Website: www.ripleyslondon.com
4. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Sri Swaminarayan Temple)
The last thing you expect to see in London is a Hindu temple. However, it is there, and its size and appearance are not just surprising. The domes and shikaras of this architectural masterpiece make people literally gasp in amazement. This is a fairly young building (the temple was built in 1995), but it is truly unique. Nowhere else in the world outside India does a Hindu temple of this size exist. Once inside the temple, you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere and philosophy of Hinduism.
Address: 105-119 Brentfield Road, London, NW10 8LD
Website: www.mandir.org
5. Apple Store (Apple Store on Regent Street)
We simply could not help but point out this shrine for all fans of the apple company. On this moment It will not be possible to find an Apple Store in Russia - so far the company has limited itself to only the official online store. But in fact, each Apple store is unique and truly represents a masterpiece of architecture, as it is located inside very extraordinary buildings. London's Apple Stores are no exception, but the most architecturally outstanding, in our opinion, is the store on Regent Street. Just look at the photos. This place is worth a visit.
Address: 235 Regent Street, London, W1B 2EL
Website: www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet
6. Crystal Palace Park (Dinosaur Park)
It would seem, what interesting things could there be in a park, even a London one? Paths, trees, a wonderful zoo and, of course, dinosaurs. It was this place that gave birth to a trend that is still fashionable to this day - the passion for dinosaurs. More than 160 years ago, the sculptor and artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins recreated the giant and not so monsters that once lived on earth here in the form of statues, and they were built in life size, and the famous paleontologist Richard Owen advised the creator.
Address: London, SE20 8DT
Website: www.crystalpalacepark.org.uk
7. The Cartoon Museum
London has a huge selection of museums, but the Animation Museum is one of the most unusual. This is a small cozy exhibition, where every visitor can feel like a child and touch the wonderful world of cartoons. The museum features more than 5,000 cartoon characters and 4,000 comic books. Moreover, the exhibition also reflects the history of quite serious animated films that touch on current social issues. The museum is also famous for its political satire– you can find not only an image in it Winnie the Pooh, but also, for example, a caricature of Elizabeth II.
Address: 35 Little Russell Street, London, WC1A 2HH
Website: www.cartoonmuseum.org
8. Thames Barrier
An ignorant person is unlikely to recognize a dam controlling the river in these futuristic structures. You might think that aliens have landed here, or that the military is testing some kind of weapon of the future. In fact, this structure is almost 30 years old and was built due to the threat of repeated floods that had previously occurred in areas adjacent to the river. This powerful defender is definitely worth a look.
Address: 1 Unity Way, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NJ
Website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk
9. Wooden escalator at Greenford tube station
The London Underground is one of the oldest in the world. Its first branch opened in 1863. Structurally, the London Underground has some of the longest escalators compared to underground transport systems in other cities and countries. In the past, wood was used to make these moving staircases, and at Greenford station one such wooden escalator is still in operation.
10. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (Harry Potter Museum)
As you know, the cult film series about Harry Potter was filmed in England, and in this case, Warner Bros. She did probably the most pleasant thing she could do: the film studio where the film was filmed was converted into a museum. In it, visitors can look at the scenery used in the filming and learn a lot about the filming process, the enormous work of decorators, costume designers and artists, the development of special effects and stunts.
Address: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR
About the museum:
Visiting such museum “giants” as the British Museum or the National Gallery is the goal of almost all tourists coming to London. And in the capital of England there are still many small, sincere, highly specialized and simply original museums dedicated to outstanding personalities, hobbies or various oddities.
Pollocks' Toy Museum
The Pollock Toy Museum is a paradise for children and adults. The museum's two buildings house a variety of frightening and enchanting wax and porcelain dolls. Here you can also see a large collection of board games, soft toys, as well as puppet theater decorations and characters.
The Fan Museum
If someone is interested in what the most ancient fans looked like, then they have a direct route to the London Fan Museum. There are more than 3,500 fans from all over the world, made from ivory, silk and peacock feathers. The age of some specimens has already exceeded a thousand years.
Clockmakers' Museum
The Clock Museum in London consists of one ticking and ringing room. Here you can find everything from the pocket watches worn by Elizabethan Londoners to the latest chronometers.
Old Operating Theater Museum
The eerie Museum of the Old Operating Theater offers visitors a chance to admire the tools and methods of treating unfortunate patients that were in use before the dawn of science.
The Garden Museum
Those who have an agronomist somewhere deep in their soul will appreciate the Horticultural Museum's exhibition, which consists of ancient gardening tools and a beautifully recreated purely English “knot” garden.
The Freud Museum
You can lie on the same couch on which patients of the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, confided in the house-museum named after him. It also houses a large collection of his books and various works of art.
Charles Dickens Museum
A museum dedicated to one of the most significant figures of Victorian literature - Charles Dickens, who lived and worked in London in the 1830s. In the museum you can see what the writer created and was surrounded by: furniture, paintings and manuscripts.
Handel House Museum
The house-museum of Handel, the great composer of German origin, is fraught with the atmosphere of the 18th century. The entire interior has been recreated so believably, as if the master himself had just worked here. By the way, Jimi Hendrix lived in the house next door, and now there is a museum office there.
The capital of Great Britain offers its guests an exciting and meaningful cultural travel program. Walking through numerous museums and galleries leaves an indelible impression of your stay in London. Here every tourist will find interesting educational institutions of different thematic areas. London's museums amaze visitors with a magnificent wealth of exhibitions. They are a reflection of the cultural heritage of all humanity. During the heyday of the British Empire, valuable works of art and ancient artifacts were brought to London from all over the world. Most museums will delight tourists with free accessibility.
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The British Museum has numerous historical and archaeological exhibitions reflecting the colonial past of England from the times of Ancient Egypt to the present day. Many of the exhibits presented in the museum today were donated by famous people or purchased by the administration at auctions. However, among them there are also those who appeared “from the back door”. The Greeks and Egyptians are still trying to return architectural masterpieces and archaeological finds that they believe do not belong to Great Britain. Tourists associate the British Museum not only with a rich collection of various exhibits, but also with a building in the classicist style - with columns and a modern glass dome in the courtyard, which has become one of the symbols of London in the 21st century.
As for the museum galleries, they display a huge number of artifacts. All exhibitions are divided into thematic zones. The most interesting collections are ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman, but others are also of interest. For example, numismatic, which is a collection of coins from different times from all over the world. Separately, it is worth mentioning the art department. It is not too big, but boasts works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt and many other famous artists.
It is interesting that the staff includes not only traditional workers, but also six cats, whose duties include catching mice. You have a chance to meet unusual employees during a tour. Located at Great Russell Street, London. Its doors are open daily from 10-00 to 17-00. There is no need to pay for entry - you can get acquainted with the history of Britain and beyond completely free of charge.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
When Arthur Conan Doyle created his legendary work about the detective Sherlock Holmes, he could hardly have thought that in a couple of hundred years house number 221 would appear on Baker Street; in the distant 19th century there were just over a hundred of them, and even more so - that this address would be one of the most famous in London. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum, opened in 1900, attracts thousands of tourists. It is located in a mansion victorian era, carefully designed by modern architects according to book descriptions. All interiors have been restored in the same way.
The space of the four-story cottage is organized a little differently from how it was described by Arthur Conan Doyle in his book; the arrangement of the rooms was affected by the tourist popularity of this place. On the ground floor, in addition to the ticket office, there is a fairly large souvenir shop. The second floor is the chambers of the famous detective.
The third floor is occupied by the rooms in which Doctor Watson and the maid Mrs. Hudson lived, Sherlock’s irreplaceable assistant in everyday matters. By the way, it is she who greets guests and introduces them to the owner’s property. The fourth floor of the mansion has nothing to do with the detective; busts and sculptures of heroes from other works by Arthur Conan Doyle are collected here. Address - Baker Street, 221 b. However, attentive guests will probably notice the discrepancy; it is located in house 239. The exhibition is open daily from 9:30 to 18:00, and closes only on Christmas Day.
Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery is one of the most unusual British museums. Everything here is amazing - from the exhibitions to the building in which they are located. After all, former barracks can hardly be called the best place to get acquainted with art. The gallery got its name in honor of its founder, art dealer Charles Saatchi. It was he who decided to make his own personal meeting modern paintings make it public. Today, Saatchi boasts not only permanent, but also temporary exhibitions, some of which create a real sensation among both visitors and critics. Moreover, not always in the positive sense of the word.
When going to the gallery, you should prepare to experience a variety of emotions - from delight and admiration to bewilderment and disgust. After all, how else can you feel about the works of Marc Quinn - heads cast from frozen blood? Or a cut up animal placed in formaldehyde by Demian Hirst? Unfortunately or fortunately, these exhibitions are already a thing of the past and you won’t be able to visit them today. But there are others - no less shocking and shocking.
Causing controversy among critics and interest among ordinary people, even those not related to art. It’s a mystery what you’ll be lucky enough to see on the day of your visit. The gallery is located at Duke of York's HQ, King's Road. Its doors are open daily from 10-00 to 18-00. The ticket office, where you can get a ticket completely free of charge, closes half an hour earlier, at 17-30.
Tate Gallery
The Tate Gallery is the best place to discover British art. The works of a variety of authors are presented here, from the 16th century to modern ones. It was started by industrialist Henry Tate, who decided to make his personal collection public. All works are systematized in chronological and thematic order for ease of perception. After all, the variety of dates, styles and names can make even seasoned connoisseurs’ heads spin. Portraits, landscapes, everyday sketches, mysticism... everyone will surely be able to find a canvas to their liking.
The year 2000 was a year of change for the Tate Gallery. Her collection has grown so much that the old building in Trafalgar Square is no longer sufficient. This is how the Tate Modern branch appeared on the opposite bank of the Thames. The room chosen for it was extraordinary and original, and the museum housed a power plant in it. Gradually, this place became a cult among lovers of contemporary art around the world. But even if you are indifferent to paintings, a visit to the Tate Gallery is still worth it.
At least to take a ride on the boat that runs between branches along the Thames, and drink a cup of coffee in the panoramic cafe under the roof of Tate Modern. Located at London, Millbank, Tate Britain, its modern branch is opposite St. Paul's Cathedral. They both work from 10-00 to 17-50. The first Friday of every month is a “long” day, doors are open until 20-00. December 24-26 are days off. There is no need to pay for entry. But for a boat trip, if it’s part of your plans, you’ll have to.
Charles Dickens House Museum
Charles Dickens is one of the most famous English writers. He is the author of such works as the adventures of Oliver Twist, David Copperfield and many others. Guests of the dedicated literary genius Museum visitors can get acquainted not only with his work, but also with the life of a traditional family of the Victorian era. So what can you see? First of all, the dining room, where the whole family gathered. On porcelain plates victorian style depicts the writer and his friends. Also on the ground floor there is a bedroom with a large canopy bed, a kitchen and a living room.
The second floor is Dickens's real kingdom, his study with a dressing room. Here, as if two hundred years ago, there is a table and a chair, where works were created, which the whole world soon learned about, the first editions of books and even manuscripts lie. The walls of the office and other rooms of the museum are decorated with paintings depicting old London. The Dickens House Museum is located at 48 Doughty Street. Its doors are open from 10:00 to 17:00; tickets at the box office stop selling an hour earlier. They cost £9. But in holidays exposure doesn't work.
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In order to feel happy, a person must not only discover new things, receive vivid emotions and impressions, but also be able to relax and unwind. The best place in the British capital for this purpose - the Cupid Museum of London. The exhibition, inaugurated in 2007, attracted the attention of tourists, local residents, and the press. After all, Paris is traditionally considered the city of love, free and a little depraved. London is much more modest in this regard. But, nevertheless, a museum dedicated to erotica, sex and love still appeared here.
Its exhibition includes paintings, things, as well as interactive exhibits created using modern computer technology: touch screens, multimedia equipment. The museum organizers also took care of the lighting - red tones add mystery and even a touch of passion. After getting acquainted with the exhibitions, you can continue to relax in the cafe, where they offer cocktails made from aphrodisiacs. They, according to bartenders, add sexuality to anyone, stimulate desire and even increase sexual activity.
Those interested can not only visit the exhibition, but also get a consultation with a sex therapist for an additional fee. One of the most controversial museums in London is located near Piccadilly Circus, at 13 Coventry Street. It is open from 11-00 to 00-00. IN daytime, until 17-00.
Westminster Abbey Museum
Westminster Abbey is not only the main cathedral of the country, but also one of the symbols of London. Construction in gothic style reminds of the affairs of bygone days and the traditions of old England. By the way, don’t get lost if suddenly somewhere it is designated as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter - this is the second name of the abbey. In the underground room, considered one of the oldest in the entire complex, there is a small but very interesting museum dedicated to the history of the shrine.
Fragments of sculptures and frescoes, funerary statues of members of the royal family and even thrones on which monarchs were crowned. All this can be seen here; the exhibits reflect not only the history of the church, but of all of England. The museum has a small souvenir shop where you can take pictures and buy something as a souvenir. By the way, you can enter it from the street without buying entrance tickets.
There is quite a lot of Westminster in London - a chapel, a palace, a cathedral. All these objects do not need to be confused, much less united, they exist autonomously from each other, both historically and territorially. The Abbey is located at Deans Yd, 20. You can visit it from 10-30 to 16-00 on any day except Sunday, when entry is limited to parishioners. However, it is better to check the opening hours before your visit, since the church is active and services may be held there.
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum is dedicated to the decorative and applied arts not only of England, but of the whole world. It was founded in 1851 on the initiative of Queen Victoria, and her husband, Prince Albert, did a lot to develop and replenish the collection, purchasing exhibits at his own expense. It was in honor of this couple that the museum received its name in the future.
Today it is one of the twenty most popular on the planet. To say that the collection is rich and extensive is to say nothing. 51,000 square meters, 140 halls with more than 4 million exhibits. As a rule, tourists limit themselves to a cursory examination, which begins with the collection dedicated to European art different eras. Having been impressed by the works of Raphael and other famous people, you should not relax. After all, there are still quite a few interesting collections - architectural, Asian, book, dedicated to fashion. Many of them are called departments in a modern manner.
Tours of the museum are completely free. On short review Accompanied by a specialist, it will take about an hour. Special programs are offered for young guests and their parents. The cradle of arts and crafts is located in central London, on Cromwell Road. You can visit from 10-00 to 17-45 (on Fridays - until 20-00). Entrance, as well as excursions, are free.
Design Museum
Lovers of creativity and everything unusual should definitely visit the London Design Museum. Founded relatively recently, it has already become a mecca creative people all over the world. Professionalism is combined here with progressive ideas, and innovation with tradition and classics. The museum is located in a three-story building. On the ground floor there are ticket offices, office premises, an art cafe and a souvenir shop. All this, even the toilets, are decorated by famous designers in a very unusual style. The second and third floors are occupied by permanent and temporary exhibitions.
They are dedicated to different areas, but the “core” consists of exhibits dedicated to clothing and interior design. Moreover, both sketches and graphic sketches are presented, as well as the final results of the work. The room itself is also decorated in an original way and deserves attention. Under the roof there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of design - from its very beginnings to the present. In addition, celebrations, conferences, seminars and classes for children are held here.
Located at Shad Thames, 28. Visitors are welcome every day, from 10-00 to 17-45.
Natural History Museum
The London Natural History Museum is dedicated to nature - its past, present and even a little of its future. It consists of two parts - research, where scientists work and research is carried out. Scientific research(many years ago Charles Darwin himself worked here), and the exhibition itself, which is open to visitors. It resembles the scenery from the films Harry Potter and Night at the Museum. Although, of course, they were not filmed here.
The exhibitions are divided into several “color zones”. The most crowded one, the blue one, displays skeletons of dinosaurs and other long-extinct animals. It is interesting here for both children and adults. The green zone is not so large; its exhibitions include birds, insects and plants. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur every day in Red. Not real ones, of course, but mock-ups. In addition, here you can get acquainted with the “mineral diversity” of our planet. The orange zone is dedicated to the works of Charles Darwin.
There are laboratories where everyone can take part in real scientific experiments. Of course, this entertainment is aimed at children. Little visitors here are given priority in every sense. Located at Cromwell Road, Natural History Museum. You can visit it any day (except Christmas holidays) from 10-00 to 17-50. On the last Friday of the month - until 22-30. Entry to the main exhibition is free.
Cutty Sark Museum Ship
The British treat everything connected with their history with reverence and care. It is not surprising that the ship with the mystical name Cutty Sark, named after the Scottish witch, the heroine of the work of Robert Burns, is perfectly preserved and delights visitors not only appearance, but also, so to speak, interiors.
Sailors traditionally believe in omens. From the very beginning, they believed that the ship with a mystical and terrifying name was not destined to have a long life. However, it plowed the seas and oceans for decades, transporting tea from China to Europe, and has been perfectly preserved to this day. However, in 2007 there was a serious fire, after which restoration work lasted until 2012. Cutty Sark welcomes visitors again today. Here you can walk along the decks, look into the holds and even visit the underwater part. It is she who makes the greatest impression on visitors.
The perfect end to the excursion will be lunch, or an afternoon snack, at the “sea” cafe. And in the souvenir shop you can buy something as a souvenir. Located on the Thames embankment, at Greenwich, King William Walk. You can go up on deck any day from 11-00 to 17-00.
Transport Museum
Double-decker tourist buses are one of the symbols of London, its calling card in the tourist world. They and more can be seen in the transport museum. Its exhibition is quite extensive and occupies a large three-story building. Each floor is dedicated to one or another topic. The first is the so-called organizational one. There are ticket offices, office premises, a cafe and a souvenir shop where you can buy something as a souvenir. In addition, little visitors will certainly be interested in the room with models, where everything can not only be touched, but also experienced in action. However, no matter how interesting it is below, everything interesting is ahead.
The second floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of the world's first subway. It is not difficult to guess that he appeared in London. Here you can see how they began to build the subway by hand, how new stations appeared, and how the layout of lines and train traffic changed over the years. The third floor is dedicated to ground transportation. Literally everything related to street traffic is presented here - from horse-drawn carriages to those legendary double-decker buses.
You can clearly see how the streets of the British capital have changed over the years. Address: pl. Covent Garden. Open daily from 10-00 to 18-00 (on Fridays it opens an hour later, from 11-00). Children under 16 years of age can visit the exhibition completely free of charge.
Madame Tussauds museum
One of the world famous and popular cultural places in London is the wax museum named after famous sculptor Madame Marie Tussaud. It was founded in 1835, and since then has served as the most visited attraction in the British capital. Modern building The famous museum, located near Baker Street subway station, has a distinctive high dome in a green hue. The exposition of the complex is divided into thematic halls, in which the greatest collection of wax figures of famous artists, musicians, politicians, athletes and various historical figures is exhibited.
The skillful detailing of the images, the naturalness of the sculptures, the painstaking work of the artists and the similarity to the original delight the audience. Tourists are given the opportunity to take memorable photographs with their idols and even touch them with their hands. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Usain Bolt, Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Johnny Depp, John Travolta, Charlie Chaplin, David Beckham, Bruce Willis, Queen Elizabeth, Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, Princess Diana - this is far from full list celebrities who can be seen in the museum.
Regardless of the type of activity of prominent people, the exhibition of the London institution is regularly updated with new sculptures. Receives guests from 9:00 to 19:00. The ticket price will cost each visitor £29.
National Gallery
A magnificent collection of works of art is located in the National Art Gallery in London. An imposing gray building with a massive portico, powerful columns and a huge dome rises on Trafalgar Square. More than 2,000 paintings by famous masters of painting from all over the world are exhibited in the elegantly designed interiors of the premises. The collection consists of masterpieces created since the 13th century. Visitors to the gallery can clearly see how trends have changed and technical features writing immortals brilliant creations great artists over many centuries.
Among the examples of painting art, paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caspar Friedrich, Titian, Rembrandt, Bartolomeo Murillo, Carlo Crivelli and other masters of their era deserve special attention. The National Gallery in London displays an impressive collection of Orthodox icons from the Byzantine, Greek and Russian schools of scripture. Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00 and until 21:00 (on Fridays). Entry is completely free.
Tate Modern Gallery
The colorful five-storey former power station building on the banks of the River Thames houses the Tate Modern gallery of contemporary art. This iconic place is of interest to lovers of abstract, avant-garde and innovative creativity. The industrial building is topped with a hundred-meter chimney and a glass roof. In the halls with high ceilings against a background of dark brick, interesting paintings, photographs, exhibits, installations and sculptures are exhibited. Here, many objects of art make an ambiguous impression, bewilderment, and sometimes even cause irritation. However, the collection engages visitors in understanding current societal issues.
The gallery contains more than 70 thousand works by various artists, including Picasso, Malevich, Monet, Warhol and other masters abstract art. Basically, the institution's fund consists of world masterpieces of surrealism created throughout the 20th century. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and until 21:00 (Friday-Saturday). Visiting the exhibition is free.
Institute of Contemporary Arts
The Institute of Contemporary Arts is located in the business district of the British capital. This is a prestigious exhibition site where exhibits of new trends in fine arts. The institution was founded in 1946 by collectors, writers and critics. The creative intelligentsia wanted to open a place here for holding workshops for artists who could express their creative ideas beyond the existing limits of classical art standards.
The Institute of Contemporary Art has a gallery, a cinema, book Shop and a cafe. Visitors are shown an exhibition promoting avant-garde, provocative and marginal trends in creativity. These are paintings, sculptures, performances, video installations. Concerts are often held here. The entrance is free. The gallery is open from 12:00 to 23:00.
Wallace Collection
The curiosity of tourists will be satisfied by the contemplation of a unique collection of masterpieces of art by one of the revered English marquises - Sir Richard Wallace. The museum is based on a rich private collection of paintings, medieval weapons, elegant sculptures, antique furniture and many decorative and applied items. The exhibits amaze viewers with their execution and splendor. Valuable artifacts were bequeathed by the Marquess to the British nation for public viewing.
The exhibits are kept in the Wallace family mansion, built in the 18th century. An impressive collection of works of art is displayed in 25 rooms among luxurious interiors that epitomize aristocratic housing of the Victorian era. The preserved cozy atmosphere makes visiting the museum akin to visiting Sir Wallace in person.
Tourists can get aesthetic pleasure from admiring big amount a variety of paintings painted by the greatest masters of their time. These are the creations of Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, van Dyck, Canaletto, Boucher and many other artists. Samples of carved furniture dating back to the 17th century, as well as gold boxes, beautiful sculptures and porcelain items, attract attention. Receives guests daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Free admission.
Harry Potter Museum
True fans of the legendary story about the young wizard Harry Potter will be very interested in visiting the museum of the same name, located near London. This is a whole complex consisting of huge pavilions with stunning decorations, various buildings and props. Hundreds of detailed locations, costumes of heroes, recognizable artifacts immerse tourists in the wonderful world of fairy tales and adventures.
The cinematic town concentrates the achievements of modern production of the cult films about Harry Potter. Museum guests will discover the secrets of creating spectacular scenes with special effects. Tourists will find the Hogwarts training halls, Dumbledore's office, the famous Platform 9 ¾, Diagon Alley and many other familiar places from the franchise.
Tickets can only be purchased on the official website of the museum. Their cost for adults is 43 pounds sterling, for children from 5 to 15 years old - 35 pounds. The Harry Potter Museum welcomes its guests every day from 8:30 (Saturday, Sunday) and from 9:30 (Monday-Friday) to 22:00.
Geoffrey Museum
The old two-story building of a former almshouse from the 18th century houses the Geoffrey Museum, where guests of the British capital can get acquainted with the history of the development of English domestic life. The exhibition reflects changes in the housing arrangement of London's middle class. The collection clearly demonstrates how people's taste preferences for comfort, style and design of their apartments were formed. In eleven small rooms, residential apartments from different time periods are recreated, from 1600 to modern days.
Particular attention is paid to furniture and decorative arts. The walls and ceilings are decorated with original patterned ornaments, drawings, oak panels or wallpaper. Visitors will see carved chairs, tables and cabinets, as well as fireplaces, textile samples, dishes, vases, candlesticks, boxes and other interior accessories.
Doors are open from Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00. Free admission. Touching the exhibits is strictly prohibited. There is a picturesque garden around, where tourists can stroll along the green lawn under the treetops.
Imperial War Museum
The majestic building with a massive dome and an Ionic portico-entrance houses numerous military exhibits. It is noteworthy that until 1936 the historical building belonged to the Royal Mental Hospital. The collection is dedicated to the military conflicts of the 20th century in which the army of the British Empire took part. There is a well-kept park around the complex. On its territory there is a gigantic model of a double-barreled artillery gun. Here you can also see a monument to Soviet soldiers who died in World War II.
The exhibition pavilions are filled with tanks, aircraft, ballistic missiles, lightly armored vehicles and various types of weapons. Among the specimens are English, Russian and German weapons. Skillfully created trenches with trenches, dugouts with barbed wire and command posts involuntarily transport visitors to the complex into the harsh reality of wartime. Exhibits of MI6 intelligence, personal belongings of soldiers, unique archival documents and photographs deserve special attention.
Receives its guests daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
It's impossible to miss the educational, interactive and free London Local History Museum. The institution invites its guests to follow the rich history of one of the largest European capitals in chronological order. The exhibition covers time periods ranging from the Stone Age to the present day. Tourists can visit the institution every day from 10:00 to 18:00.
The fund amazes with its diversity. Numerous artifacts from archaeological excavations are presented here, including stone axes, axes, spears, swords, arrows, jewelry, personal belongings of Roman legionnaires, skulls primitive people and much more. The collection of classic dresses, suits, photographs, paintings, dishes, toys, and household items is of interest. The pearl of the collection is a gilded carriage of one of the honorable lords of Britain, made in 1757.
The halls recreate the quarters of ancient London with shops, workshops, bank branches, bakeries, taverns, hairdressers and tailor shops. Visitors will learn how the townspeople once baked bread, processed metal, sewed clothes and used ancient tools. Impressively sized LED screens show videos from the history of the city.
Science Museum
It is an entertaining and exciting place that attracts the attention of a huge number of tourists. The galleries of the five-story building house more than 300 thousand exhibits. All of them belong to the highest achievements of the human mind. An impressive collection is dedicated to scientific activities in the fields of space, technology, medicine, chemistry and industry. Unique steam engines, engines, aircraft, computers, vintage cars, space equipment, rockets, various mechanisms, household appliances and other inventions arouse genuine interest among viewers.
The models are made in full size. The museum features interactive exhibits that clearly demonstrate what a device looks like from the inside. A separate room is filled with medical instruments used by doctors of past centuries. Here you can also get acquainted with modern methods of diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Tourists will be curious to explore some physical phenomena, as well as explore the capabilities of the human body and sense organs. Innovative virtual reality technologies offer visitors the opportunity to feel like an astronaut, travel across the vastness of the Universe and visit a space station.
Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. Entrance to the complex is free. Voluntary donations are welcome.
Museum of Horrors
The London Dungeon, which translates to “London Dungeon”, is an original combination of a museum, an quest and a theatrical production. The popular attraction is designed to immerse tourists who are not faint of heart in the gloomy atmosphere of medieval torture, bloody crimes and criminal events from the history of the British capital. The impressions of what is happening are enhanced by special effects, sound, fetid odors, excellent scenery and actors dressed in historical costumes.
Visitors will become unwitting participants in a comic and sometimes creepy performance. In the labyrinths of the dungeon, in dim light, you can meet executioners with axes, leper victims of the plague, wandering dead, serial killers and maniacs. Each of them will be able to greatly tickle the nerves of tourists. The audience will see corpses with their throats cut and their intestines released. Numerous devices for committing torture inspire fear.
Guests will have the opportunity to wander through fire-torn neighborhoods and tunnels, visit Sweeney Todd's barbershop, hide from Jack the Ripper, and travel on a decrepit boat in complete darkness to the scaffold. Tourists will be sentenced to death by hanging, which will end with a sharp fall into a special shaft. No one will get hurt, but everyone will be greatly impressed.
The London Dungeon welcomes its guests every day from 10:00 to 16:00 (on weekdays) and until 18:00 (Saturday, Sunday). The online ticket price through the museum's official website is £21.
Wellington Museum
Near London's famous Hyde Park stands a classic mansion, decorated with a Corinthian portico and clad in limestone. The triumphant Duke of Waterloo and the great commander, Arthur Wellington, lived in this building. He became famous not only for his military courage, but also for collecting masterpieces of art.
Today, the luxurious halls of the mansion house a museum. Valuable trophy paintings captured by Wellington during his military campaigns against the French are exhibited here. The pristine aristocratic interior of the premises gives a special ambiance for enjoying works of art. The exhibition is filled with works by such masters as Rubens, Velazquez, van Dyck, Caravaggio, Goya, Murillo and many other artists. In addition to the art gallery, museum visitors will see exquisite furniture, as well as a collection of porcelain, silver, weapons and orders.
At the entrance, tourists are greeted by a three-meter statue of Napoleon, made by the famous sculptor Antonio Canova. The Emperor is represented in the guise of Mars the Peacemaker. The statue symbolizes the defeated enemy Arthur Wellington and reminds everyone of the merits of the British commander. Open from Wednesday to Sunday in the summer season (11:00-17:00) and from Saturday to Sunday in the winter season (10:00-16:00). The price for an adult ticket is 10 British pounds.
Klink Prison Museum
For thrill-seekers, the former Clink prison, located near the Thames coast, opens its gloomy doors. The preserved basement houses a thematic museum. This terrifying place brought fear to the inhabitants of London from the 12th century to 1780. Today, tourists flock here every day, wanting to tickle their nerves.
The founder of the prison was the Bishop of Winchester, who was distinguished by his cruelty towards prisoners. Debtors, brawlers, drunkards, heretics, thieves, harlots, as well as innocent people were sent to jail. The jailers extorted money from the arrested for food, candles and bedding.
The furnishings of the cells of a medieval prison have been recreated as accurately as possible. Visitors can see numerous instruments of torture, the principle of which makes the blood run cold. Wax figures of the condemned and audio recordings of heartbreaking moans add additional eerie impressions. The Klink prison welcomes its guests every day. From July to September it is open from 10:00 to 21:00. During the period October-June, viewing of the exhibition is limited to 18:00. Ticket price - 7.5 £.
Bank of England Museum
The classic 18th-century building, whose facade is decorated with columns, a portico and sculptures, houses the Bank of England Museum. The institution's exhibitions reflect the history of the formation of the state's financial system. Unique banknotes, royal coins, gold bars, original engravings, sculptures, promissory notes and various documents are on display.
The museum collection contains rare muskets and pikes, used in ancient times by guards to protect the bank. Among the exhibits you can see various pieces of furniture. Deserves attention big size an iron chest that served as a safe. Of interest is the reconstruction of an ancient office space with wax figures dressed in historical robes. Available for visits on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00. Free admission.
Churchill Museum
Near St. James's Park, under the Treasury building, there is a unique place - Winston Churchill's underground bunker. Here, at a depth of about five meters, during the German bombing, the outstanding British statesman held a cabinet meeting and gave orders to the army. Since 1984, the bunker has been a museum where Churchill’s personal belongings and a considerable number of interesting exhibits are on public display.
The interiors of the Prime Minister's headquarters have a rather ascetic and practical appearance, consistent with wartime conditions. Massive steel blocks under the ceiling protected the shelter from shells. Tourists will see not only Churchill’s office and apartments, but also work rooms for government members, signalmen, typists and various personnel. The premises are filled with desks, chairs, beds and other attributes. In some rooms, wax mannequins imitate activity quite convincingly.
The collection showcases original documents, maps, telephones and items of clothing used by Winston Churchill. Of interest are the famous attributes: a box of smoking cigars, a cane, a top hat and a polka dot bowtie. A notable exhibit of the complex is an interactive fifteen-meter table. Its touch surface reflects information about all the details of the life of the great Briton. Open every day from 9:30 to 18:00.
Tea and Coffee Museum
The capital of Great Britain invites its guests to visit the Tea and Coffee Museum. Tourists are given the opportunity to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the history and culture of consumption of these aromatic and favorite drinks of millions of people. The exhibition consists of an impressive collection of priceless attributes associated with the tea and coffee ceremony. In the halls you can see Chinese porcelain dishes, Japanese bowls, miniature cups, whisks for whisking tea leaves, sets painted with colorful patterns, Russian meter-long samovars and much more.
The walls are decorated with picturesque engravings and paintings depicting scenes from the tea drinking ritual. Teapots of various shapes, sizes and models are of particular delight. They are presented in the form of dragons, lions, cars, mailboxes, police officers, steam locomotives and pieces of furniture. Open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets cost £4.
Pollock's Toy Museum
Offers tourists to plunge into the magical and carefree world of good childhood. This place has prepared a lot of wonderful impressions and pleasant surprises for its viewers. Small rooms, connected by spiral staircases, are filled with charming dolls, construction sets, soldiers, puppets, cars, airplanes and all kinds of mechanical trinkets.
The museum is named after the famous master of toys and theatrical decorations of the Victorian era - Benjamin Pollock. Most of the exhibits are unique historical specimens. The exhibition includes wax, porcelain, plastic, wood, fabric and even paper toys. Some dolls “live” in their amazing houses. Their miniature apartments are furnished with furniture and utensils. A separate showcase is dedicated to teddy bears, nesting dolls, as well as Dymkovo and carved Bogorodsk toys.
The toy exhibition can be visited on any day except Sunday. Open from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission ticket Costs £5 for adults and £2 for children.
Museum of Childhood
The exhibits will certainly bring a lot of joyful emotions to adults and young travelers. The huge galleries of the two-story pavilion house a collection of various toys from all over the world. These are dolls, puppets, soldiers, figurines famous characters, robots, all kinds of board games, teddy bears, wooden horses, construction sets, wind-up trains, cars and many other funny items. The Museum of Childhood is open daily from 10:00 to 17:45. Free admission.
The asset of the foundation is the exhibition of dollhouses displayed behind glass display cases. Many models have an open view, allowing viewers to view miniature furniture, tiny dishes and appreciate the detailed interiors of miniature apartments. It is impossible to pass by the exquisite toy porcelain sets. The diameter of the cups and plates does not exceed five centimeters. The dollware is covered with floral designs and colorful patterns.
Children's clothing items for boys and girls deserve attention. Dresses and costumes from XVIII – XIX centuries. Rare wooden, ceramic and wax cute dolls amaze visitors with luxurious outfits, hand-embroidered a century ago. Mechanical toys evoke delight - running trains, dancing ballerinas, walking robots and moving figurines.
Sir John Soane Museum
Attracts tourists with an abundance of unique works of art. The apartments of the studio house where J. Soun lived and worked are literally cluttered with antique items. Here you can see fragments of architectural landmarks, antique marble and plaster frescoes, archaeological artifacts, sculptures, minerals, vases, pictorial engravings and much more.
The art collection contains rare paintings by Piranesi, Hogarth and Canaletto. The walls of the art room are screens that rise upward using hinges, revealing new images. Thus, hundreds of paintings were placed in a small room. The main part of the manic collector's exhibition was brought from Italy, Egypt and Greece. The exhibits are displayed randomly in relation to the chronological sequence and cultures of civilizations of different eras.
Convex mirrors and colored window glass create an incredible atmosphere. Accepts guests from Wednesday to Sunday. Opening hours: 10:00-17:00. Visiting the exhibition is free.
Whitechapel Gallery
In the mysterious Whitechapel area of London, where Jack the Ripper committed his murders hundreds of years ago, lies an art gallery of avant-garde art and abstract expressionism. The museum was founded in 1901 and was one of the first publicly funded institutions. The gallery has gained wide popularity thanks to the exhibition of paintings by Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Robert Crumb and other contemporary masters.
Today, the gallery's exhibition halls display shocking and surreal sculptures, paintings and photographs. Of interest are unexpected and provocative performances that reflect pressing social problems in society. The Whitechapel Gallery is open from 11:00 to 16:00 every day except Monday. Free admission.
Jack the Ripper Museum
Among the ancient architectural ensemble of the Victorian era of the Whitechapel area is the Jack the Ripper Museum. In 1888, a mysterious serial killer terrified local residents of a not-so-prosperous area of London. Jack's victims were women of easy virtue, whom he mercilessly cut, leaving no living space on their bodies.
The exhibits enable tourists to learn information about the details of crime investigations, the victims of the maniac and the main suspects in the murders. Paintings, photographs and newspaper clippings hang on the walls, detailing the circumstances of the brutal atrocities. Museum visitors will walk into the supposed room where Jack the Ripper lived. Here they will see numerous surgical instruments, medical vials, clothing and other artifacts. Open every day from 9:30 to 18:30. Entry costs £12.50.
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Victoria and Albert Museum
Continuing the conversation about London museums, I would like to separately mention the most unusual museums. The capital of Great Britain is famous for the fact that the choice of its museums is truly inimitable, be it the huge British Museum in Bloomsberry or the group of museums in South Kensington (Scientific, Natural History Museum and the most famous of them, the Victoria and Albert Museum).
But there are twenty small, but very eccentric museums in the capital, hidden along the streets. Everyone has their own story. We will talk about several of them.
Museum in Covent Garden (LT Museum)
This cultural institution is rightfully included in the most unusual museums: after all, there are old subway cars, buses, and trams here. However, only a small part of it is located there, while the main one is concentrated in the Acton area of West London. Located in a depot, it is more of a collection than an amusement park. For example, there you can see the remains of a spiral escalator, which exists in a single copy!
Museum of Bloody Surgery
Museum of Bloody Surgery (The Old Operation Theater & Herb Garred)
This is truly not only the most unusual museum, but also one of the creepiest. Here, near London Bridge, an operating theater was founded in 1822, today offering an immersive experience of the surgery of those times when anesthetics and antiseptics had not yet been invented.
London Canal Museum
The colorful history of the canals is collected here - boats, horses, tunnels, art dedicated to the canal, people associated with them in some way. You can come here by boat and feel like you are in the depths of London's canals.
Interestingly, this place used to be the ice cream warehouse of Carlo Gatti, one of the pioneers of this area. Before the invention of refrigeration, ice was brought here from Norway and stored for later use in hot weather. Therefore, the tunnel museum is also part of the ice cream museum.
Cartoon Museum
The Cartoon Museum
Although this is also the most unusual museum, it probably does not need a description. Amazing drawings, hundreds and thousands of characters and caricatures, including the most amazing firstborns. It is impossible not to mention the acute political satire, also expressed on paper.
Museum of Eccentric Collections (Cuming Museum, the Museum of Southwark History)
Here you can find truly unusual things: an Indian scalp, a fragment of the ceiling of the room where Napoleon died, a piece of the vest of Charles I, worn on the day of his execution, a sawed-off leg of a mummy. You definitely won’t find anything like this anywhere else in the world!
Museum of Fans
London Fan Museum
This museum houses more than three thousand folding fans, and their collection is the largest in the world. There is also a special exhibition of special fans in the art nouveau style, opened in 1999. And in the nearby tea shop, the napkins are also folded in the appropriate shape.
Museums of Great Writers
The houses of such great writers as Dr. Johnson or Charles Dickens have also long ago become museums. There is also a separate museum that is dedicated not only to Arthur Conan Doyle, but to his hero Sherlock Holmes. So, pleasant surprises await all fans of the work of great writers in London.
Bank Of England Museum
The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street Museum houses a variety of banknotes from the earliest ones, which were handwritten by bank clerks and signed by cashiers. Previously, the banks of the countries that surrounded Britain produced their own banknotes. These notes were as valuable as the bank itself. And England's banknotes were considered as reliable as the Bank of England.
Today, only a few banks in Scotland issue their own banknotes. The museum also talks about how the fight against counterfeiters has improved.
Anyone who finds ordinary museums boring will certainly be interested in the most unusual museums in London, or at least one of them. For those learning English via Skype, we are waiting for your story about which one you found most interesting!
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