Tucked away within a south London suburb is, quite possibly, the sparkliest of all the hidden gems in London’s overflowing treasure trove of secret spots. The Horniman Museum and Gardens has been around since the Victorian times. And it features an impressive collection of weird, wacky and downright wonderful objects from across the globe, courtesy of Frederick John Horniman.
Home to over 350,000 items; the museum is filled-to-the-brim. And you could wander through it time and time again, and still find something different to feast your eyes on with every visit. Located in Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum opened its doors in 1901 in a bid to enrich the lives of the local community. And, well… it’s been doing exactly that ever since.
What can you find at the Horniman Museum?
To be quite honest with you, it would be easier to tell you what you can’t find in there. But here goes. The Horniman Museum boasts an aquarium, a butterfly house, a 16-acre garden, a robot zoo (yes, really), a library, a nature trail, and various galleries displaying objects and artefacts. Each of which celebrate the abundance of cultures from around the world.
The World Gallery explores the diversity, adaptability, and creativity of worldwide humankind. Home to more than 3000 objects that tell the story of many cultures; the World Gallery is a truly beautiful insight into humanity. And is well worth a visit. There’s also a Natural History Gallery (which is currently closed for refurbishment), a gallery full of taxidermy (complete with a famously over-stuffed walrus), and a conservatory and gallery space that host displays and exhibitions throughout the year. One of which is the robot zoo that features innovative and wildly impressive recreations of animals.
The butterfly house and garden is the museum’s specially-planted habitat, home to hundreds of beautiful butterflies. Visitors can wander through the free-flying butterflies and learn all about the life-cycle and behaviour of the fascinating creatures. And there’s also an underground aquarium which boasts 15 exhibits, showcasing aquatic environments from across the globe.
The Horniman Museum’s garden is a true horticultural haven, offering visitors a peaceful spot to connect with nature, and admire sweeping views across the city. There’s an on-site café for it you’re feeling peckish. And a pretty packed events programme running throughout the year, too.
The Horniman Museum is a true Aladdin’s Cave of curiosities, with something unique and interesting to gawp at with every turn. And considering it won Art Fund’s Museum of the Year Award in 2022 (you know – the most prestigious accolade in the museum-world); we’re clearly not the only ones who think it should be immediately added to your must-visit list.
📍 You’ll find the Horniman Museum at 100 London Road, SE23 3PQ.
The Horniman Museum is open daily from 10am-5.30pm and the gardens are open daily 7.15am-8.30pm. It’s free to visit the museum and gardens but you’ll need to pay for a ticket to enter the aquarium, butterfly house, and robot zoo. Find out more and plan your visit here.