About Museum of London / London Museum
After closing its Barbican site in 2022, the Museum of London is reopening in stages at the historic Smithfield Market in 2026 as 'the London Museum' — the city's biographical museum.
Founded in 1976, Museum of London / London Museum has been welcoming visitors for over 50 years. Today it draws approximately 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 6,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Museum of London / London Museum ranks #161
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #161 in our composite ranking, Museum of London / London Museum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Reopening 2026.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Museum of London / London Museum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Roman London
- ◆Great Fire experience
- ◆Suffragette collection
- ◆Future Smithfield site
Recognition & awards
Museum of London / London Museum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Closed at Barbican; reopens at Smithfield as London Museum 2026.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Museum of London / London Museum is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.5176°N, -0.0974°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Museum of London / London Museum
Museum of London / London Museum was established in 1976, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 800,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Europe region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like Museum of London / London Museum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Museum of London / London Museum with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #12Tate Modern🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Museum of London / London Museum?
Closed at Barbican; reopens at Smithfield as London Museum 2026. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Museum of London / London Museum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Museum of London / London Museum located?
Museum of London / London Museum is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.5176°, -0.0974°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Museum of London / London Museum known for?
Reopening at Smithfield as the London Museum. Key highlights include Roman London, Great Fire experience, Suffragette collection. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 6,500 reviews.
How many people visit Museum of London / London Museum each year?
Museum of London / London Museum receives approximately 800,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was Museum of London / London Museum founded?
Museum of London / London Museum was founded in 1976, making it 50 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
