About The Foundling Museum
Discover Britain's first children's charity through moving stories and interactive exhibits, including costume play opportunities that bring this unique London museum to life for all ages.
What's nearby
- Coram Family and Childcare next door
- UCL School of Pharmacy next door
- Saint George's Gardens next door
- Waitrose & Partners 150m away
- Russell Square 500m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Facilities
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
We attended a Music workshop on the 19th February and had lots of fun. The museum was very interesting as well learn few things about the kids that lived there. Recommend visiting!
· via Google
Highly recommend. A very informative if not sad display of objects associated with The Foundling Hospital and resulting charties connected to it. Plenty to see and the top floor has an excellent exhibition on Handle the composer. He was a governor and benefactor of the Foundling Hospital. Attended a afternoon lecture there tge same day on music and symbolism in Durch 17th century art. There is a lift to each floor which is helpful. A small gift shop Nearby are various places to eat within a 2 minute walk in the modernist Brunswick Shopping centre.
· via Google
A truly lovely museum, and certainly worth visiting if you're interested in the history of life in Edwardian & Victorian London, poverty, and fostering/adoption in Britain. The building carries with it countless art pieces, furniture, clothing, and information printed all over the walls. The atmosphere is calm and offers a thought-provoking experience on what family means, how children have been treated throughout history, and the harsh reality of poverty in London in the 1700s and 1800s. The museum also offers a nod to recent media depicting the Foundling Hospital, and others related to it in some way. The staff were kind and helpful in entry, and the gift shop was lovely, too. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend a visit here. It is worth the money.
· via Google
Beautiful British history that is lesser known. Volunteers are knowledgeable and know the exhibits thoroughly. They took initiative to explain everything. One of the best museums I’ve visited thus far.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum offers a deeply moving and thoughtful experience, telling the poignant story of the Foundling Hospital and the children it helped, alongside beautiful artworks and Handel's original works. They also highlight the calm, respectful atmosphere, and the kind, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. Guests mention the museum is well-maintained, offers good value, and is disability accessible.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 40 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (1,120 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 5+
- Suggested visit
- 1-2 hours
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Bloomsbury