London Museum – Exhibitions, opening times and visitor guide

Trace the stories that make London the city that it is today at the London Museum, opening in Smithfield on 28 November 2026.

Formerly known as the Museum of London, this new cultural destination has occupied the area's former General Market and Poultry Market buildings, bringing the capital's past and present to life across two restored spaces.

Explore London's history through fascinating objects, immersive displays and the lives of the people who shaped it from its Roman origins and regal heritage to the global technological hub we know today. 

History of London Museum

London Museum began as two separate collections: The Guildhall Museum, which focused on Roman and Medieval archaeology and the London Museum, with modern objects, paintings and costumes.  

In 1965, the collections were combined into the Museum of London, eventually relocating to its purpose-built home at London Wall in 1976. It welcomed visitors for 45 years before closing its doors in 2022 to prepare for the move to Smithfield.

After almost a decade of transformation, the two historic market buildings make up the foundation of the museum's new chapter as the largest city museum in the world, telling London's stories through a collection of more than seven million objects.

Why visit London Museum?

• Discover London's story. Tour the capital's past through fascinating objects and immersive displays, spanning everything from Roman Londinium to the city's modern-day cultural melting pot of people, places and things.
• See remarkable artefacts. Get up close to more than seven million objects that bring London's heritage to life, from the glittering Cheapside Hoard and a display dedicated to the Great Fire to a chunk of the Whitechapel Fatberg.
• Explore a spectacular new setting. Admire the restored General Market and Poultry Market at Smithfield, where historic architecture meets a cutting-edge, immersive cultural experience. 
• Find a fresh perspective on the capital. Learn about the city's origins and discover how certain streets, corners, buildings and networks we walk past every day came to be. 
• Enjoy culture beyond the galleries: Become part of London's culture as you interact with the museum's activities, exhibitions and events designed to bring London's communities together from day to night.

What to see and do

Free permanent galleries

Journey through London's past across three distinct and free-to-enter spaces inside the restored Victorian-era General Market: Real Time, Our Time and Past Time.

Temporary exhibitions

Delve deeper into London's people, places and cultures through a changing programme of exhibitions set to take place across two galleries inside the former Poultry Market, opening in 2028. 

Cultural events and activities

Look out for talks, workshops, family activities and cultural events that bring London's stories to life, from weekly Shared Late Nights and the monthly Dinner Club to family Playdates every Saturday. Check ahead for the latest programme and to book in advance.

Eat, drink and shop

Stop by the museum shop and fuel up between galleries at the on-site restaurant, which is set to host themed events and guest chefs. Or, explore the surrounding neighbourhood which is packed with cafes, pubs and restaurants, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.

Insider tips for visiting

• Allow a few hours to explore the galleries, and take time to appreciate the market buildings as well as the collections.
• Check the museum's website before visiting for the latest information on exhibitions, events, access and any bookable activities.
• Smithfield is an excellent starting point for exploring the city's historic streets. Check out our guide to the City of London to help plan your visit.

Where is London Museum?

London Museum is located at West Smithfield, London EC1A 9PS, in the City of London. Its new home occupies the historic General Market and neighbouring Poultry Market, close to both Farringdon and Barbican.

How to get there

Farringdon is the nearest transport hub, situated just a short walk from the museum and served by the Elizabeth Line, Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Barbican Underground Station is also nearby, served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines. Walking and cycling are convenient ways to explore the surrounding area.

London Museum opening times

London Museum's official opening times have not yet been announced. Check back soon for confirmed details ahead of the museum's opening on 28 November. 

Is London Museum free to enter?

Yes, entry to London Museum's new permanent galleries in Smithfield is free. Some exhibitions, events or special activities may require a separate ticket.

Accessibility

Check the official website for accessibility information.

Where to eat nearby

• Feast on classic British dishes at the original St. John restaurant, which champions seasonal, locally-sourced produce and nose-to-tail dining.
• Admire the grandeur of the dining room at Sessions Arts Club, set inside a Grade II-listed building with a menu centred around seasonality.  
• Get ready for a one-of-a-kind sensory experience at Dans Le Noir ?, where guests tuck into a surprise two- or three-course meal in total darkness.
• Pair grilled mains with impressive wines at Ibai, a Basque-inspired restaurant focused on fire-cooking, known for serving one of the city's best steaks.
• Enjoy small plates and creative cocktails at Space Talk, a hi-fi bar with musical events featuring everything from live DJs and musicians to album listening parties.

Things to do nearby

• Get your culture fix at Barbican Centre, which boasts a concert hall, Barbican Theatre, a conservatory, cinemas and galleries all under one Brutalist roof.
• Be amazed by the breathtaking architecture of St Paul's Cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren with its iconic dome. 
• Find out all about the city's history of surgery from real-life specimens and instruments to historic paintings at the Hunterian Museum.
• Grab some food-to-go and enjoy a picnic at Lincoln's Inn Fields, a pocket of green space and the city's largest public square. 
• Visit the capital's first Roman amphitheatre and masterpieces from famous artists on display at the Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre.
• Discover more of the best things to do in the area, including top tips during your visit with our expert guide to the City of London.