Museum of the Home London
Explore centuries of domestic life in London through immersive recreated homes and a tranquil herb garden. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Museum of the Home London
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of domestic life in London through immersive recreated homes and a tranquil herb garden. Free entry!
"A free museum that truly lets you step into the past and feel what home was like."
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible museum without spending a penny! A true London hidden gem.
🏡 Step Back in Time
Explore rooms from the 1600s to present day. Kids love the vintage furniture and retro toys!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Recreated Period Rooms
Various galleries
Step into meticulously recreated homes from different centuries, offering a vivid glimpse into domestic life.

Caribbean Rooms
Specific gallery
Experience the vibrant and personal stories of Caribbean homes, a deeply moving and authentic display.

Walled Herb Garden
Outdoor space
A tranquil oasis offering a peaceful escape and a fragrant journey through historical herbs.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Journey Through Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible museum without spending a penny! A true London hidden gem.
🏡 Step Back in Time
Explore rooms from the 1600s to present day. Kids love the vintage furniture and retro toys!
🌿 Peaceful Garden Escape
Don't miss the walled herb garden – a lovely, fragrant spot for a moment of calm.
📍 Easy to Find
Located in Hoxton, it's super close to the station, making it super accessible.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible museum without spending a penny! A true London hidden gem.
🏡 Step Back in Time
Explore rooms from the 1600s to present day. Kids love the vintage furniture and retro toys!
🌿 Peaceful Garden Escape
Don't miss the walled herb garden – a lovely, fragrant spot for a moment of calm.
📍 Easy to Find
Located in Hoxton, it's super close to the station, making it super accessible.
💬 Personal Stories
The Caribbean rooms offer a deeply personal and moving experience, highly recommended.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of the Home for its free admission and immersive experience, particularly the detailed recreated rooms and the poignant Caribbean exhibits. While some find it can get crowded, the peaceful herb garden offers a lovely respite. It's highly recommended for its unique insight into domestic life across centuries.
"It's a small Museum. But it's curated with love and care. The staff are friendly and it's brilliantly laid out inside an old Almshouse. I loved it, spotted so many reminders of been a kid in the sixties onwards. The darling daughter was fascinated and is planning to bring her friends."
John Walsh
"Amazing experience! The museum is split into two incredibly engaging sections. The first part breaks down the different dimensions of “home” using a mix of multimedia installations—paintings, videos, interactive displays, and sounds—that really make you think about what a home truly means. The second part takes you on a journey through time with recreated homes from various eras; walking through each room feels like stepping back into the past. On top of that, there's also a beautiful garden, full of aromatic herbs and flowers.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, design, or cultural history, this museum is well worth a visit!"
Zitian
"This free museum is a wonderful gem that explores home life over the last 400 years. We spent about an hour wandering through the galleries and room recreations.
They do an excellent job with a mixture of signs, photos, artwork and objects across three sections. It is an excellent range of topics, exploring the lack of a home, what heirlooms mean to people, style evolution of homes, housework, gardening, views of what makes a home comfortable, faith/religion, love and loss, entertainment, and more. Each room on the lower level typically focused on a different topic, then upstairs shows more recreated rooms - such as a 1630 dining room, 1745 parlor, 1830 drawing room, 1913 tenement flat, 1978 terraced house, to possible converted flat in 2049.
The museum is located in 1714 almshouses, so beautiful exterior too.
Gift shop has unique items for sale.
Clean toilets in the reception area and part way through. Lockers near the reception."
Becky T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Museum of the Home is conveniently located in Hoxton, East London. It's a short walk from Old Street station (Northern Line) and Hoxton station (Overground). Many bus routes also stop nearby, making it easily accessible via public transport.
On-street parking in the Hoxton area can be limited and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport to reach the museum. Check local parking apps for any available paid parking options if driving is essential.
Yes, cycling is a great option! There are usually bike racks available near the museum. Hoxton is a well-connected area for cyclists, with many routes through East London.
From central London, take the Northern Line to Old Street station or the Overground to Hoxton station. Both are a short walk from the museum. Buses are also a frequent and viable option.
The museum is generally accessible, with lifts and ramps available. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Museum of the Home offers free general admission! This makes it a fantastic and accessible cultural experience for everyone.
While general admission is free, booking a timed entry slot in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee your entry. Check their website for current booking requirements.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Museum of the Home website for the most current times. They are typically open Tuesday to Sunday, with some late openings.
While the main galleries are free, special temporary exhibitions might sometimes have a separate charge or require advance booking. Always check the museum's website for details on current exhibitions.
The museum is typically closed on Mondays. It's advisable to confirm the specific opening days and hours on their official website before planning your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll explore recreated domestic interiors spanning from 1600 to the present day, showcasing how people lived. Highlights include the Caribbean rooms and the peaceful walled herb garden.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy exploring the different rooms, especially those with vintage toys and furniture. It's an engaging way for them to learn about history.
A typical visit can last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level and how much time you spend in each room and the garden.
The museum often offers guided tours or talks, which can provide deeper insights into the collections. Check their schedule upon arrival or on their website.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe offering light refreshments, snacks, and drinks. It's a nice spot to relax after exploring the exhibits.
Generally, eating and drinking are restricted to designated cafe areas. It's best to consume your own food and beverages outside the exhibition spaces.
Hoxton and Shoreditch are vibrant areas with numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs offering a wide range of cuisines and price points. You'll find plenty of options just a short walk away.
Most museum cafes aim to offer options for various dietary needs. It's recommended to inquire directly with the cafe staff about specific allergens or dietary requirements.
The cafe usually serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, cakes, pastries, and hot and cold drinks. It's perfect for a light lunch or a coffee break.
📸 📸 Photography
The recreated rooms themselves offer fantastic photographic opportunities, capturing unique historical interiors. The walled herb garden also provides beautiful shots, especially in good light.
No, flash photography is typically not permitted inside the Museum of the Home to protect the delicate exhibits. Always check for signage or ask a member of staff.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed in exhibition spaces to avoid obstructing other visitors and damaging displays. Personal photography without these aids is generally fine.
The diverse range of period rooms, from the 17th century to more modern settings, each offers a distinct visual appeal. The Caribbean rooms are also noted for their rich detail and storytelling.
Natural light can vary greatly depending on the room. Mid-morning or late afternoon might offer softer light, but the artificial lighting in the rooms is designed to showcase the interiors effectively at any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the biggest crowds and give children more space to explore. The museum is generally accessible, making it easier to navigate with strollers. Pack some snacks or plan a stop at their cafe for a break. The interactive nature of the rooms often sparks curiosity and imagination, making it a memorable experience for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free attractions in East London or enjoy a picnic lunch in a nearby park. The museum's location in Hoxton also means you're in an area with plenty of affordable food options. It’s a prime example of London’s rich cultural offerings being accessible to everyone.
🏛️ History Buffs
Pay special attention to the Caribbean rooms and other exhibits that highlight diverse cultural experiences within Britain. The museum's commitment to showcasing a broad spectrum of lives makes it a rich resource for understanding the complexities of home and identity throughout history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Domestic Life Through the Ages
What makes these displays particularly compelling is their focus on social history. It's not just about furniture and decor; it's about understanding the lives of ordinary people. The museum actively collects and displays objects that reflect diverse experiences, including a significant focus on the homes and lives of people from the Caribbean diaspora in Britain. These exhibits are often highlighted by visitors as particularly moving and insightful, offering a more nuanced and personal perspective on history.
Beyond the indoor displays, the museum also features a beautiful walled herb garden. This tranquil space provides a sensory experience, showcasing herbs that would have been grown and used in homes throughout history. It’s a perfect spot for reflection and a welcome break from the indoor exhibits, offering a different dimension to the museum's exploration of 'home'.
Community Voices and Personal Stories
This emphasis on personal narratives extends to how the museum engages with its community. Visitors often note the thought-provoking displays that encourage reflection on what 'home' means to different people. The museum actively seeks to represent a wide range of voices and experiences, moving beyond a singular, dominant narrative. This approach makes the museum feel more inclusive and relevant to a broader audience, fostering a sense of shared history and understanding.
Many visitors recommend taking your time to absorb the details in each room. It’s not just a quick walkthrough; it’s an invitation to imagine the lives lived within those walls. The intimate scale of the displays, combined with the rich historical context, allows for a truly immersive experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit