London, Museum of London Review

Overall Rating

There are different ways of displaying historical facts. So, all ages will have fun. Really friendly staff "and admission is free!

The entrance hall and the museum store get cold after a few minutes. The newest part was closed. The food was expensive in the museum cafe.

The Museum of London is a great place for people who love museums but are blessed with an attention deficit and get easily bored when one room looks like another. I am one of these people, and I highly recommend this museum to you. It is a small museum but it is worth it. You can reach it very easily by tube and will be amazed by the surroundings of the museum. It is so different from the centre of the city.
Though, like the world outside, nothing is perfect. If you are not a polar bear or penguin, you should avoid taking a little rest or having a meeting with students in the entrance hall at these little nice tables and the funny stools (which can be used as drums). Because of the sliding doors it is a bit draughty and gets cold after a while. And be grateful if the screen next to you does not work, otherwise you are dreaming of ' July the 1st' and 'a smoke free Britain' on the following night. The food in the cafe next to the museum has an exorbitant price, but the coffee is good and not that expensive. Therefore, I recommend packed lunches.
The first room is called 'London before London' and focuses on the Great River Thames. Information is not just to read on plates but also available on screens and computers. It is also possible to 'touch history'; in particular such tools like axes, which is really cool. After 'the Roman Gallery', which is totally different regarding the style of display and not less interesting, you will enjoy 'London is burning'. There you can imagine being a firefighter in 1666 or watching a movie about this period. Unfortunately, the exhibition room about the latest history of London was closed.
Elderly people also do not have to worry about possibilities to rest. There are folding chairs at the entrance of this room and little benches which are almost integrated into the display cabinets. The cloakroom is easy to find, so you do not have to carry your stuff with you while enjoying the exhibition.
Furthermore, you should ask for a guided tour about 'London is burning'. It is really interesting and you will have a lot of fun. For foreign students it might be a little bit too fast, but do not be afraid and ask the staff to speak a bit more slowly. They are really friendly and have a great sense of humour.
To sum up, it is a great place for people who want to know more about London and its history. A look at the last pieces of the wall through a big window is amazing and it more than makes up for any other disappointments, even if you have forgotten your lunch. In other words, you will have a lovely day in a great museum. The only thing I really missed was an exhibition catalogue or books about parts like 'London is burning'. Maybe it is just a reason to go there once again.