Visit the Museum of London: Explore the Unknown City on a Journey Through Time

With a rich history spanning over two thousand years, London is one of the world's largest economic centers, alongside New York as one of the most top-tier international metropolises. It is also one of the most important global centers for culture, education, sports, and technology, home to many famous attractions and landmarks, and naturally a dream destination for many travelers. Visit the Museum of London with The London Pass, and you'll gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating city.

Source: Museum of London

Located in the heart of London, the Museum of London tells the story of the capital from its first settlers to the modern era. Its collection contains over two million objects and houses the largest archaeological archive in Europe. Through stunning exhibits, award-winning interactive displays, and nostalgic scenes, it vividly brings the people, events, and places of London to life, attracting more than one million visitors each year.

Arranged chronologically, the museum's permanent exhibitions take you on a journey through time to discover the London you never knew:

Before London (450,000 BC – 50 AD)

From prehistoric animal bones to Iron Age artifacts and the Roman city of Londinium, founded around 50 AD, this exhibition tells the winding journey of human history...

Before London exhibition, Source: Museum of London

Roman London (50 AD – 410 AD)

In 43 AD, Roman forces attacked the British coast and established a settlement on the site of present-day London, building the city of Londinium, whose population surged to 45,000. From 50 AD to 410 AD, Londinium became the largest city and most important port in Britannia. Through the exhibition, you can learn how Londinium was born and what daily life was like for Romans in this city 2,000 years ago.

Roman London exhibition, Source: Museum of London

Medieval London (410 AD – 1558)

The turbulent medieval period witnessed the collapse of the Roman Empire and culminated in the reign of England's female monarchs—Mary I and her successor Elizabeth I. The exhibition reveals how medieval London was ravaged by invaders, plagued by famine, fire, and disease, and torn by religious and political strife. Yet ultimately, it broke free from the rule of the Roman Catholic Church and grew into one of the wealthiest and most important cities in Europe.

Medieval London exhibition, Source: Museum of London

War, Plague and Fire (1550s – 1660s)

Three civil wars, the Great Fire of London, and the execution of a king—this century hardly seemed easier than the last. You can learn all about this era through exhibits filled with illustrations, maps, costumes, and crafts.

War, Plague and Fire exhibition, Source: Museum of London

The Growing City (1670s – 1850s)

After the fire, London quickly developed into the world's largest city and Britain's biggest manufacturing center. The Industrial Revolution brought wealth to many, but not every Londoner enjoyed this prosperity—those who went bankrupt ended up in debtors' prisons. In the exhibition, you can explore the highs and lows of London life amid the city's dramatic transformation.

The Growing City exhibition, Source: Museum of London

People's City Gallery (1850s – 1940s)

By this time, London had become the wealthiest and most powerful city in the world, but the gap between the affluent elite and the struggling working class remained wide. In this gallery, you will learn about the impacts and differences the two world wars had on the capital's society, economy, and culture.

People's City Gallery, Source: Museum of London

World City (1950s – Present)

Entering the modern era, London witnessed large-scale immigration from Commonwealth states, peaceful and non-violent governance methods, and the birth of new technologies—all of which had a major impact on the capital, even sparking a punk movement. In this exhibition, you can delve into how changes in technology, fashion, and culture have transformed London.

World City exhibition, Source: Museum of London

Besides these, the museum's current exhibitions on various themes are also well worth a visit.

Museum address: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Ticket price: £5, free with The London Pass