museum
Sir Horace Jones, 1883
General Market and Poultry Market, West Smithfield, EC1A 9LH
Join us to find out more about our incredible journey to create a new museum for London. Enter the ballot for a special tour of the Poultry Market (currently in construction).
Barbican, Farringdon, St. Paul's
City Thameslink, Farringdon
17, 25
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the construction site the tours are not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.
Tours will take place on an active construction site, which at times may be noisy and overstimulating.
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.
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 Poultry Market opening in 2028 and housing temporary exhibition space, collection stores and learning spaces. Please note this tour will not include the General Market, the first phase of the new museum, due to open in 2026. 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. Personal photography during your tour is not permitted, although please note a professional photographer may be in attendance.
Saturday Tours:
11am – 12pm
12pm – 1pm
1pm – 2pm
2pm – 3pm
3pm – 4pm
4pm – 5pm
The 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.
