Horniman Museums and Gardens

The Horniman, through its collections and related exhibitions and events, seeks to encourage a wider appreciation of the World, its peoples and their cultures, and its environments. The Museum opened in 1901. The original collections comprised natural history specimens, cultural artifacts and musical instruments. Over the last 100 years the Museum has added significantly to the original bequest with Horniman's original collections comprising only 10 per cent of current ethnography and musical instrument holdings. Join a London bus tour and discover the array of attractions in London. Our range of London sightseeing tours are designed to suit you.

Victorian tea trader Frederick John Horniman began collecting specimens and artifacts from around the World in the 1860's. Horniman's key mission was to bring the world to Forest Hill and he opened part of his family house to the public so they could view the riches he had collected. As the collections increased they outgrew the family home and in 1898 Horniman commissioned Charles Harrison Townsend to design a new Museum.

The Horniman has a unique range of exhibitions, events and activities which illustrate the cultural and natural world. Our collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments provide the inspiration for our programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions and events and activities. The events and activities includes family events and short events, adult events and special events etc.

A full range of events and activities take place for different audiences including storytelling and art and craft sessions for children, and courses and workshops for adults.
The Horniman Museum and the adjoining sixteen acres of Gardens provide a unique venue for entertaining and special events, and for commercial filming and photography.
The Horniman Gardens is a unique site of 16 acres of award-winning, beautifully maintained formal and natural landscapes, from delightful rose and sunken gardens, herbaceous borders, and ethno-botanical planting, to enchanting wild flower displays and a number of unique sundials.Set in the heart of south London, the Gardens are a green oasis within the bustle of the capital, with breathtaking panoramic views out over the city
 Come and explore more about the Horniman Museum with the London tours.

OPENING HOURS :

Museum
Daily 10.30am - 5.30pm except 24 - 26 December
Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is FREE. A charge is made for some major temporary exhibitions.

Gardens
Monday - Saturday 7.30am - sunset
Sunday 8am - sunset except 25 December