The Museum of London has revealed that its relocation to West Smithfield will begin in December 2022, when its current site at London Wall will close as a visitor attraction. The institution will reopen with a new name, The London Museum.
The Museum of London Docklands will remain open. Under the leadership of its new managing director Douglas Gilmore, it will also get a new name, The London Museum Docklands, from January 2023.
The Museum of London opened in 1976. It has welcomed more than 21 million visitors since 1998. From June 2022, the existing site will offer a series of events, activities and displays that celebrate the museum’s success.
After this, the Museum of London’s curators and conservators will carefully relocate the objects to West Smithfield. The new purpose-built facility will be a place to explore London’s history.
“London has been slap-bang in the middle of it all, of culture, of trade and of ideas, for hundreds of years and so it feels right that we’re relocating the Museum of London to Smithfield Market – in the historic heart of the capital,” said Sharon Ament, director.
The London Museum at West Smithfield
“This will be more than a museum, it will tell the story of all Londoners – past, present and future; it will be a new civic space for millions of visitors to enjoy, 24 hours a day, and it will be a living, breathing building that buzzes with the energy of Londoners.”
As part of the West Smithfield development, The London Museum has plans to expand into the adjacent Poultry Market, resulting in a new space for a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions.
“The countdown starts now,” Ament added. “This summer, we’ll be celebrating 45 years at our London Wall site, honouring our great past at the centre of London life before looking forward to being reborn as The London Museum.”
“Culture is in the fabric of our city and for our economy to thrive we need ambitious creative projects to drive our recovery,” said Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London.
“The new London Museum will be a fantastic addition to our city, inspiring the next generation, attracting visitors from the around the world and securing our position as a global creative capital.”
Images: Museum of London
