The London Museum

We're counting down – the new London Museum will open in 2026 breathing new life into historic Smithfield market buildings in the City of London. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconceive what a museum for London can be, and you have a chance to have a sneak peek of what we are planning before we open.

Having recently changed our name from the Museum of London to London Museum, this represents a new chapter in our story. Our new home will be a space for learning, exploration and adventure, situated in breathtaking spaces and showcasing more of our collection than ever before. It will open early and close late, reflecting London’s reputation as a 24-hour global city.

The museum’s permanent galleries in the formerly derelict Victorian General Market are due to open in 2026. The 1960s Poultry Market, opening in 2028, will showcase the museum’s collection stores and world-class temporary exhibition and learning spaces.

Over 70,000 Londoners have joined us in creating the London Museum so far, helping us to build our collections, shape our ideas, and inform the museum’s design. By the time we open, 100,000 Londoners will have contributed to making this museum happen.

Open House Family Day

11am-4pm

Drop in, no advance booking required. Suitable for all ages.

Calling all budding builders, architects and engineers (young and old)! Come and enjoy a family day out at the construction site. Put on your hard hat to clamber on a tipper truck, or take part in Play Cycles free loose parts play, arts and crafts activities, music making and storytelling sessions. Have a chat with an architect and find out more about our journey to create a new museum for London or explore market objects and materials salvaged during the project.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building works currently taking place, the activity area has limited accessibility for wheelchair users.

General and Poultry Market Guided Tours (by ballot)

By ballot / 10 years old +

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes tour of London Museum’s new home at Smithfield, currently under construction. You will be able to explore the formerly derelict Victorian General Market opening in 2026 - including a section of the General Market ground floor, the basement, the vaults and former market shop units. They’ll also be the opportunity to tour the Poultry Market, open to the public for the first time during its restoration and due to open in 2028. You’ll discover how these magnificent spaces will be transformed into a world-class museum.

Please apply through the ballot.

Please note: No skirts, shorts, or vest tops are permitted onsite for Health & Safety reasons. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing and suitable (closed toe) footwear to be allowed access onto the construction site. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building works currently taking place, we will not be able to accommodate wheelchair users or those with limited mobility on this occasion.

Saturday Tours:

11am – 12pm

12pm – 1pm

1pm – 2pm

2pm – 3pm

3pm – 4pm

4pm – 5pm

Important Information

The General Market and Poultry Market Guided Tours are a balloted listing. You can apply for one ballot ticket which comes with a plus one. Tours are restricted to 10 years or older. Due to the nature of the construction site, we unfortunately cannot accommodate wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.