I certainly make no secret of the fact that I’m a rather big fan of London’s pioneering public transport network. From tubes, trains, and trams to boats, bikes, and buses; I’m ever so fond of the various vehicles that whizz us city-dwellers from A to B. And so it doesn’t take a genius to guess how I feel about the Covent Garden museum that’s entirely dedicated to them.
For anyone who isn’t already familiar with it, London Transport Museum does what it says on the tin, really. It’s a museum that’s filled to the brim with transport-related bits and bobs; telling the story of London’s trailblazing transport system. Since setting up shop in the heart of Covent Garden back in 1980, London Transport Network has welcome millions of Londoners and visitors alike. And now, the transport treasure trove is preparing to undergo a rather gargantuan glow-up ahead of its 50th birthday in 2030.
Named LTM50, the ‘once-in-a-generation’ upgrade will transport the much-loved museum straight into the 21st century, reimaging the space and modernising the historic Grade II listed building. The transformation will involve a dramatic new entrance that’ll open directly out onto the Covent Garden Piazza, thus better connecting the museum and its iconic surrounding neighbourhood. It’ll also see an extra 500 square-metres of space created within the museum, allowing for new and improved interactive galleries and learning programmes.
A vital organ of the capital’s cultural scene, London Transport Museum has told the story of the city’s innovation for almost 50 years, LTM50 will showcase how London continues to lead the way in the world of design, engineering, and creativity. The transformation is expected to grow the museum’s annual visitors by over 80% and will see the cultural space expand its role as a centre for inspiration, innovation, and education. And the very best part is that the museum won’t even be closing its doors whilst the transformation takes place.
Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of London Transport Museum, said: “London’s transport story is one of the greatest innovation stories in the world, and this transformation is about sharing that story in a bigger, bolder and most inspiring way than ever before.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “These plans for transformation will cement our city’s global reputation for innovative, ambitious, world-leading transport. Our tubes and buses are instantly recognisable, and our network has inspired transport systems around the world. For almost fifty years, London Transport Museum has functioned as the home of this story, attracting huge numbers of Londoners and visitors alike. I look forward to seeing the museum transform into an even greater space for learning and celebrating our city’s history as we continue building a better London for everyone.”
