In Forest Hill, south London, the Horniman Museum and Gardens brings together collections on world cultures, natural history and music, with 16 acres of gardens around the museum. Inside, look for musical instruments from around the world, African art and unusual objects such as a merman figure. The aquarium has colorful fish, seahorses and jellyfish; a butterfly house is another optional stop. Outside, garden paths, a sound garden with playable instruments and views across London give you room to explore. Museum and garden entry is free; some attractions charge admission.
A collection gathered by Frederick Horniman
The museum grew from the collection of Frederick John Horniman, a Victorian tea trader and philanthropist who began collecting objects from around the world in the 1860s. He opened his collection to the public in 1890. The present museum building opened in 1901, bringing natural history and cultural objects together in Forest Hill.
Today, the collections cover anthropology, natural history and music. They include objects from many parts of the world, from African art to musical instruments. The scale and range make this a useful stop if you want to explore several subjects in one visit, rather than focus on a single period or collection.
Music, cultures and natural history
The music galleries bring together instruments from around the world, with interactive displays where visitors can listen and experiment with sound. The museum also has a hands-on area where some objects can be handled or tried on. Activity packs and trails give children another way to engage with the galleries.
Look for displays of African art and cultural objects, as well as curiosities such as a merman figure. The museum’s natural history collections include taxidermied animals. The famous walrus has a distinctive story: its Victorian taxidermists smoothed away the animal’s wrinkles because they did not know what a living walrus looked like. Gallery displays can change during redevelopment, so check the museum’s website before setting out for a particular exhibit.
The aquarium and gardens
The aquarium has living exhibits including colorful fish, seahorses and jellyfish. The butterfly house is another attraction on the grounds. These attractions may require separate tickets, unlike entry to the museum and gardens, so check current admission details before your visit.
The 16-acre gardens include several distinct areas, among them a sound garden with large instruments to play, a wildlife garden, a meadow and a prehistoric garden with living fossils. A bandstand provides a place to pause and take in views across London. In spring and summer, the gardens are a good reason to leave time for a walk outside as well as the galleries.
Häufige Fragen
Is the Horniman Museum and Gardens free to enter?
Entry to the museum and gardens is free. The aquarium, butterfly house and some exhibitions may have separate admission charges.
What can you see at the Horniman Museum?
The collections cover anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, with African art and hands-on displays. There is also an aquarium and a butterfly house.
When is the best time to visit the gardens?
Spring or summer is a good time to see the gardens at their best.
