One of the most wonderful things about London is the sheer number of incredible museums and galleries to explore. These range from super-specialised museums to enormous venues with an endless array of pieces to marvel at. There’s everything from history museums to living relics of the past and even The Vagina Museum. One of the latest museums to open is the Museum of Homelessness, the first ever museum of its type in the world.
The museum and its displays and shows have previously spent years moving from spot to spot around North London, unable to secure a permanent location. In 2022, though, the museum found a permanent home in Finsbury Park. They then opened to the public in May of 2024.
The museum works directly with those impacted by the issue, with donations often coming from those who currently are, or have been, affected by homelessness. The collection comprises “a selection of objects, stories and essays chosen by a range of contributors that say something about homelessness history and what is going on today”. This includes everything from bin bags and trolleys to zines, scrapbooks, collages, art, and more.
What to see at the museum
Working to change perceptions of homelessness, the Museum of Homelessness is a “national collection for homelessness, preserving and sharing histories of homelessness, poverty and social action.”
Coinciding with the opening of the museum was the launch of the How to Survive the Apocalypse exhibition – a 90-minute show that takes visitors through the museum’s collection. In a break from the typical museum displays and shows, How to Survive the Apocalypse attempts to reframe “the myths and stereotypes of homelessness and [show] that the answers to some of our most pressing problems can often be found with the people at the sharp end of society.”
The show brings a conversational aspect to the museum’s displays, which are unlabelled and instead explored and examined through “performance, poetry, object handling, chats, and much more”. With space for up to 25 visitors, it’s a much more lively and interactive experience than many other museum exhibitions.
Elsewhere at the Museum of Homelessness
The museum works hard to educate and campaign against homelessness. The team “carries out independent investigations and campaigns for the change we need”. And they also take direct action, themselves. This takes the form of mutual aid that connects people with supplies and support.
The museum also runs the ‘Dying Homeless Project’, which “honours and remembers people, who would so often be forgotten”. The project prevents the people from becoming mere statistics and remembers their humanity.
Other initiatives include fundraisers and the museum’s current voting registration drive. Anyone can drop by for support with registration and advice regarding photo ID and the new restrictions.
📍 You’ll find the Museum of Homelessness at The Manor House Lodge inside Finsbury Park, Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DE. The nearest station is Manor House.
Find out more about the Museum of Homelessness here.