When the Museum of London completes its relocation from its former site in Barbican, it won’t have moved far – the new, renamed London Museum, set to open its doors in 2026, will be just down the road in buildings formerly part of bustling trade hub, Smithfield Market. As a key element of the city’s rich heritage for centuries, it’s a fitting location for a museum devoted to London’s history.
But while the past will be a point of focus, the sympathetic renovation project will deliver a distinctive home for the museum’s exhibitions that’s more than fit for the 21st century.
Enjoying superb transport links courtesy of Farringdon Station on its doorstep – recently expanded to accommodate the Elizabeth Line – the new London Museum is a landmark project for the city. It is expected to draw visitors from around the world, and will operate from early until late, further revitalising this vibrant district.
The museum will occupy both the former General Market, dating back to the late 1880s, and the Poultry Market building which was added around a century later. The General Market will retain the feel of a Victorian marketplace, creating a spectacular space to enjoy many facets of London life, with subterranean galleries which will host many objects from the world-renowned London Collection. Light, airy café, retail and study spaces in the Poultry Market, will add yet more variety to the site.
More than 50,000 Londoners have been involved in the creation of the new museum to date – from the design of the inclusive and welcoming public spaces, to collecting objects, and working with the museum team on future displays.
This major new landmark has been planned for several years, but making it a reality has only been possible with the generous support of multiple donors. The Museum of London is a registered charity and secured funding for the project from a number of companies, philanthropists and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority.
Through its own contribution, N Sethia Foundation is a Founding Partner of the London Museum, and an interactive space within the museum will be named after Nirmal Sethia, planned to host a variety of learning and engagement activities, as well as events such as film screenings. N Sethia Foundation is proud to have played its part in creating a world-class destination which is sure to both educate and inspire Londoners and visitors for many years to come.