Horniman Museum and Gardens

An inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free museum and gardens in South London’s Forest Hill.

We’ve been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, our collection has grown tenfold and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history collection.

Unusually for such an important museum, you can see our collection up-close and face-to-face. You can even pick up, try on and play with some of our objects.

Our visitors come time and again to explore our free museum, take part in our activities and enjoy our 16-acre gardens. And they discover something fascinating and mesmerising every time.

Entrance to the Museum and Gardens is free, except for the Aquarium, Butterfly House and some temporary exhibitions which are charged for.


Guided tours


Exhibitions and events

Music Gallery

Permanent exhibition

Over 1300 instruments from the Horniman's internationally renowned collection can be seen in the Music Gallery. Its breathtaking display spans a wide range of instruments from around the world,...

World Gallery

Permanent exhibition

Come and encounter cultures from across the continents in the World Gallery. Over 3,000 objects from around the world give you a glimpse into other ways of life and a greater understanding of other...

Natural History

Permanent exhibition

Our Natural History Gallery first opened in 1901, the design influenced by the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements of the time. Many of the original showcases remain, packed full of ...


Educational programs

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Collections


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