Museum of the Home
About This Museum
Stepping into the Museum of the Home feels like unlocking a secret diary of British life, one living room at a time. You don't just see history here; you feel it, walking from a dark, timber-beamed 17th-century abode straight into the bold floral prints and teak furniture of a 1970s sitting room. The air even smells different in each period—hints of beeswax, old wood, and, thanks to the glorious walled garden outside, fragrant rosemary and lavender. It’s an incredibly intimate and quiet journey through the everyday spaces that have shaped us.
Collection Highlights
The chronological series of re-created rooms is the star, especially the hauntingly sparse Victorian laundry and the fantastically nostalgic 1990s living room complete with a chunky TV and cassette tapes. Don't miss the tranquil Geffrye Almshouses themselves or the stunning herb garden, which is arranged just as it would have been for medicinal and culinary use centuries ago.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on Kingsland Road in Hoxton, a short walk from Hoxton Overground station, and honestly, stumbling upon its peaceful courtyard feels like finding a hidden oasis in East London. Entry is free, which makes it perfect for a spontaneous, low-key afternoon.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in the beautiful, Grade I-listed Geffrye Almshouses—a series of charming 18th-century brick buildings that originally provided housing for the poor, giving the whole place a deeply authentic and humane character.
Contact & Location
Address: Museum of the Home, 136, Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London Borough of Hackney, London, Greater London, England, E2 8EA, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7739 9893
Website: Visit Website
