The new London Museum will officially open to the public on November 28 following a decade-long restoration project. The opening marks the return of the historic Victorian-era Smithfield Market to public use for the first time in more than 30 years.
The museum’s free permanent galleries will showcase London’s rich history through a diverse collection of artefacts, including Banksy’s Piranhas artwork, King Charles I’s execution vest, and Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal. Visitors will also be able to explore a new social space beneath the market’s restored dome, featuring a restaurant, shop, and performance venue.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan described the opening as a significant moment for both London and the international cultural scene. He said the museum, supported by one of the largest cultural investments in the capital’s history, is expected to attract millions of visitors and strengthen London’s position as a global cultural hub.
More than 100,000 people contributed to the creation of the museum. Its collection includes notable exhibits such as the Whitechapel Fatberg, the Lord Mayor’s Coach, and ballerina Anna Pavlova’s iconic Dying Swan costume, alongside several items that have never before been displayed publicly.
A new gathering space, Our Time in Linbury Hall, will host a day-to-night programme of events exploring four themes: tastes, sounds, plays, and wears. The inaugural programme, London Tastes, will be led by baker Ruby Tandoh and food writer Jonathan Nunn, celebrating the city’s diverse food culture.
Visitors can also explore the Past Times galleries, located at Roman street level. These exhibitions trace the lives of people who shaped London across the centuries, from its Roman origins to the Blitz and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Highlights include Tom Daley’s diving trunks from the 2012 Olympics, Queen Victoria’s mourning dress, and Charles Dickens’ chair.
Sharon Ament, director of the London Museum, said she hopes the institution will make Londoners proud and serve as a place where people feel at home. Reflecting on the project, she described it as a challenging but rewarding journey driven by creativity and collaboration.
Ament said the museum was designed to reflect London itself — “in all its grit and glitter” — and to bring together the stories, treasures, challenges, and innovations that have shaped the city. Above all, she hopes it will inspire future generations while giving Londoners a deeper connection to their shared history. -dpa
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