The annual Museums at Night festival is back for May 2018!
Taking place from Wednesday, May 16 until Saturday, May 19, the scheme encourages London’s museums, galleries and other institutions to knock back a few extra coffees and stay open that little bit later.
Rising to the challenge, London’s museums often put on special events, with talks, concerts and even supper clubs all popping up.
There are over 50 special events on the programme this year, which you can explore on the official site, but below, find ten of our favourites.
Wednesday, May 16
1) Trinity Buoy Wharf, East India
It ain’t started til the two ladies sing – so the quirky Docklands arts space Trinity Buoy Wharf will kick off the festival with a cheeky spot of opera. £17.50. More info.
2) Dr Johnson’s House, Holborn
Visit the famous Holborn house where Dr Johnson wrote his dictionary – Adrian Mourby will be presenting a talk from 6.30pm ’til 8.30pm on the rooms where esteemed writers composed their greatest works. £10. More info.
Thursday, May 17
3) Pollock’s Toy Museum, Goodge Street
This often-Insta’d, slightly fusty toy museum in Fitzrovia will stay open until 9.30pm, allowing visitors to explore their collection of historic playthings. £4. More info.
4) Old Operating Theatre, London Bridge
The oldest operating theatre in Europe will stay open until 8.30pm, and host a mesmerising lecture on how one Victorian doctor enthralled Victorian London with his powers of hypnosis. £12. More info.
5) Grant Museum of Zoology, Euston
The home of many a pickled bat, owl skeleton and mummified mole, the Grant Museum will also add improvised opera to its attractions for one night only. £8. More info.
6) Horniman Museum, Forest Hill
This lovely south London museum will stay open to 9.30pm with an evening of activities themed around coral reefs. Dance performances, face painting and short film screenings are all on offer. £5. More info.
7) Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham
Grab a prosecco cocktail, then enjoy a tour of this gothic castle in south-west London, during a special late opening. £20. More info.
Friday, May 18
8) Sir John Soanes Museum, Bloomsbury
Take a ninety minute candlelit tour through this atmospheric museum, journeying deep into the archive of this esteemed 19th-century architect. £15. Find out more.
9) London Transport Museum, Covent Garden
This Friday night late, running until 10pm, celebrates the Swinging Sixties through talks, curator tours, live poetry and workshops. £15. More info.
10) Handel & Hendrix in London, Mayfair
This legendary house, where composer Handel and Jimi Hendrix both once lived, hosts its own late-night event until 10pm, where entertainments will include Baroque music, theatrical life drawing and an extra-special acoustic set in Hendrix’s old bedroom. £15. More info.]
Drinks afterwards? See our guide to late-night spots on the Overground.
Also published on Medium.