Nestled away near the end of the District Line is the London Transport Museum Depot. Filled to the brim with over 320,000 transport-related bits and bobs, the depot is an absolute treasure trove for transport-lovers. But it’s, unfortunately, very rarely open to the the public. I come bearing some rail-y great news, though. A few times a year, the depot opens its (usually firmly locked) doors to the public – allowing us mere mortals to have a good old nosey around. And one of those times is just around the corner.
The Transport Depot open days offer visitors the exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating fragments that make up London’s rich transport tapestry. From horse-drawn carriages and decommissioned tube carriages to old-school buses and rare road and rail vehicles; the open days give Londoners (and beyond) the chance to discover one of the most comprehensive collections of urban transport in the world.
The depot serves as a working museum store, housing thousands of items from London’s transport history, including every piece of paraphernalia imaginable; from signs, original posters, ceramic tiles, and even ticket machines. The open days feature talks, behind-the-scenes tours, interactive activities, and ‘festival style’ family fun by the carriage-load.
The London Transport Museum Depot also boasts the beloved London Transport Miniature Railway. This working miniature railway is based on actual London Underground locomotives, carriages, signals and signs. It’s looked after by a group of volunteers and pays homage to our pioneering public transport network.
Credit: @mindthemoquette via IG
Across four days next week (September 18 – 21), the depot will be holding open days themed around ‘A Journey of Art and Design’. These open days will be the last of the year, and will celebrate the rich art and design history of London’s transport.
From poster art to map designs, visitors can take a deep dive into the depot’s impressive collection. There will be art and design activities on hand for visitors of all ages to get stuck into, and special demos will also be taking place across the weekend, offering a unique glimpse into the art and design that helps keep our transport network chugging.
The London Transport Museum Depot open days will be taking place for the last time this year between September 18 and September 21. Find out more and plan your visit here.