London boasts a vast array of museums, but one of its upcoming new opening could be arriving in the underground circles. And by that, we don’t mean the seedy underbelly of the city discussed in detective novels, we mean, like, actually underground.
Kingsway Tunnels runs under High Holborn, and when initially built below Chancery Lane Tube station, it was used to shelter Londoners during the Blitz in WWII. Now, there is a project in the works to turn part of the tunnels into cultural space – we told you about the news last year, but now plans have outlined the possibility of a James Bond exhibition could be part of the first openings it reveals at the proposed space.
The Evening Standard reports that, if successful in the bid to convert the tunnels, planners are documented to then prepare the space into zone that could hold hundreds of people to learn about the site and it’s influence on the city, role in the Second World War and the Cold War’, and also house an area for ‘medium-term exhibitions on themes such as James Bond’. This stems from 007 creator Ian Fleming referencing the very same tunnels in his first book on Bond, Casino Royale in 1953.
There is also word that the developers are exploring partnerships with cultural nd historical institution in London, which include the Imperial War Museum, British Museum, and Museum Of London. There is reportedly now an application pending with Camden Council, since the tunnels cross the boundaries of two boroughs.
There is no word on what a James Bond exhibition at Kingsway Tunnels would entail, but these details will likely follow if planning permission is granted for the cultural space to be created underground. Watch this space! And have a martini in the style of your favourite Bond actor while you wait. It could be a while until this one opens.