The Foundling Museum

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About

The Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity and first public art gallery.

Story

The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and first public art gallery. Through a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events, we celebrate the ways in which artists and children have inspired each other for over 275 years.
Discover the intriguing story behind this important London institution and the children who grew up there, alongside original period interiors, poignant artefacts and inspiring art. Pick up a unique, artist-designed souvenir in our Shop, or relax in our Café, offering a delicious selection of teas, coffees, cakes and light lunches.

To keep up to date with our latest exhibitions, events and more join our mailing list: https://goo.gl/AMBqsa

Address: 40 Brunswick Square , London WC1N 1AZ, XGL, GB

Phone: 020 7841 3600

ku.gro.muesumgnildnuof@seiriuqne

State: XGL

City: London

Zip Code: WC1N 1AZ

opening times

Tuesday: 10:00-17:00
Wednesday: 10:00-17:00
Thursday: 10:00-17:00
Friday: 10:00-17:00
Saturday: 10:00-17:00
Sunday: 11:00-17:00

Update Info

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Reviews

My wife and I had stumbled upon the quant village, and at first could not find the barn.  We visited the church across from the pub, and a very kind groundskeeper walked us around pointing out the history of this critical site to English history.  Near the end of our impromptu visit, we asked if he knew where the “barn” was.  “Follow me”. The grounds worker said.  We walked to the other side of the church and he stopped, our gaze was still on the church, but when we turned around, there it was.  Beautiful, old, historic, and a monument to the village and all who have it over the 600 years since its construction

Lovely museum tucked away in Bloomsbury near the Brunswick Centre. My friend wanted to visit as one of our favourite childhood authors Jacqueline Wilson wrote her book Hetty Feather inspired by the children of the Foundling Hospital with which the museum was born.  Enriched with history about the hospital and the children’s charity, they had the first room enveloped in history about how the babies were identified in a form of tokens, their day-to-day life at the hospital and what it is they ate. I loved the display some of the children who grew up that shared their feelings and experiences at the hospital.  There were two floors worth of art to explore beyond that, with some familiar oil canvas paintings and a lovely court room displaying paintings of the London hospitals around.  What I particularly enjoyed and found surprising was their music room that had chairs that played classical music. Quite relaxing.  With a purchase of a ticket, you have an annual pass that will enable you to come back to visit as many times as you’d like. Definitely worth the money.

I loved this museum more than I thought I would. It’s free with the art fund, but I would’ve paid the price for it, but it was worth the visit.  Quite large and informative, but not in an overwhelming way apart from at the start - but it was a good intro to the whole museum - how it was a children’s home and started by the oldest children’s charity  My favourite parts were the chairs on the top floor that played classical music and the current exhibition ‘The Mother and The Weaver’ that was just perfect in the way that it was made of mainly contemporary art, but suited the museum very well, with its messages

London's Foundling Museum pleasantly surprised me with its poignant history and unexpected ties to composer George Frideric Handel. Nestled in the city's heart, it offers a unique glimpse into the past, unraveling the touching tale of the Foundling Hospital. The blend of classic and modern design creates an inviting ambiance. Handel's role in supporting the hospital, coupled with his handwritten music scores, adds a personal touch. While the exhibits are emotionally resonant, a bit more interactivity would enhance the experience. Nonetheless, this museum is a serene haven that unveils London's past and the intertwined threads of charity and art.

A lovely discovery in the heart of the KingsCross area. My daughters have been enjoying Hetty Feather and we sought out the area to explore the history in more detail. I also love Victorian history and this museum did not disappoint in educating me further.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

The museum is one thing, to see history respected and preserved- but I was moved by the idea of the tokens, the squares of fabrics, ribbon bows - as a way of authenticating a match to your baby. The tragic loss and suffering borne of separating children from their mothers is a sadness that should still deeply resonate with us. It was such a compassionate and progressive idea to start a foundling house to serve the need of the time. Check out the gift shop for unique and relevant books.

Absolutely brilliant museum very well displayed staff were extremely knowledgeable. It’s history on our doorsteps.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedYes

I visited the Foundling Museum yesterday with my daughter. It was very interesting, with a lot of information about the history of the Foundling Hospital and its founder, Thomas Coram. A volunteer, Lindi, was very knowledgeable about the museum and items in it. The most moving exhibit was about the tokens which mothers used to leave for their children. There is a room on the top floor devoted to Handel, who was a trustee of the Hospital. Well worth a visit.

I had few expectations before coming as to what would see, but was free with Historic Houses.  Though a little expensive for 45-60 minutes, it was interesting as gave a good look at first London foundling house, such as why it was needed and what the experience was like for mothers and children.  The museum also give a bit of information about artists and philanthropy connections such as artist William Hogarth, George Frederic Handel, and Dickens.  It’s spread out over four floors with 1-2 rooms each - and can be seen in about an hour if reading the GF and 2nd floor exhibits, and perusing the art on LG and 1st.  A bit of information was on Handel - with the 2nd floor having info on his work Messiah, his last will and testament, music and interesting timeline in centre.  Also  a small gift shop, life and clean toilets.

Nice little museum and art gallery. Although interesting, it's a pity there wasn't a bit more to show the day-to-day lives of the foundlingsVisited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

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