London Tourist Attractions: Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising

Did you know? Among the many museums in London, there is one dedicated to brands and consumer culture, offering a nostalgic journey through 200 years of consumer history. It is the featured attraction we are introducing today with The London Pass—the Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising.

Located on Lancaster Road in Notting Hill, this unique museum houses over 500,000 items and displays more than 12,000 original pieces of household and international brands, toys, sweets, fashion, posters, and magazines. It tells the story of how brands, products, and marketing have evolved since the Victorian era.

History of the Museum

The story of the Museum of Brands began in 1963. At that time, Robert Opie, known as a 'consumer historian' or 'supermarket archaeologist,' bought a Munchies chocolate bar from a vending machine in Furness. He realised that products, packaging, and advertising would eventually be phased out by the times, and brands would fade away, so he started his collection.

In 1975, Opie's collection was exhibited successfully at the V&A Museum in an exhibition called 'The Pack Age.' In 1984, the museum officially opened to the public. In 1999, a branch called 'Opie's Museum of Memories' opened at Wigan Pier. In 2005, as the collection and scope expanded, the museum relocated to its current address, attracting around 40,000 visitors each year.

Museum Highlights

The permanent exhibition 'Time Tunnel' is the museum's biggest highlight. It showcases the development of brand packaging and advertising since the Victorian era, and how people's favourite brands have responded to world history, social struggles, new technologies, fashion, individuality, and competition, keeping pace with the times. At the same time, it connects visitors with the past, demonstrating the shared needs of contemporary people and previous generations for entertainment, comfort, recreation, and pleasure.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum's temporary exhibitions at each period have their own unique features, taking visitors on one fascinating nostalgic journey after another.

The museum's gift shop is full of a variety of vintage brand advertisements and souvenirs, evoking childhood memories.

Museum Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday and public holidays: 11am – 5pm

Admission: £9, free with The London Pass