Foundling Museum
Foundling Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We visited here on a trip to London because my daughter had recently read Lucky Button and she was fascinated with the history of foundlings. The museum is relatively small in London terms, but well equipped. The ground floor details the founding of the hospital, details of the daily life and upbringing of the foundlings, as well as having a display of the tokens that mothers would leave with their children. This floor was the most interesting for us. The second floor is a gallery housing the paintings from the original hospital. These were an important stream of revenue for the foundling hospital, so with knowledge of its history, the relevance of these paintings is clear. There was also a dress up area for kids on this floor. The top floor housed a collection of items linked to Handel, who played in the Chapel of the hospital. The bottom floor was in transition from a temporary exhibition at the time of our visit. There was a Hetty Feather themed activity pack for my daughter to do and a couple of kids activities around the museum. I wouldn't recommend taking really young children if they're as spirited as my 2 year old, just because there's a lot of breakable items around the museum. But I'd already scoped out the surrounding area and found that adjacent to the museum (on the original grounds of the foundling hospital) is Coram Fields, which houses an excellent play park for children, so my husband tookmy youngest there whilst my daughter explored the museum. Overall it was nice to put into context the people, surroundings and experiences of the foundlings that we'd read about.
Illona Kell
00
Lovely museum tucked away in Bloomsbury near the Brunswick Centre. My friend wanted to visit as one of our favourite childhood authors Jacqueline Wilson wrote her book Hetty Feather inspired by the children of the Foundling Hospital with which the museum was born. Enriched with history about the hospital and the children’s charity, they had the first room enveloped in history about how the babies were identified in a form of tokens, their day-to-day life at the hospital and what it is they ate. I loved the display some of the children who grew up that shared their feelings and experiences at the hospital. There were two floors worth of art to explore beyond that, with some familiar oil canvas paintings and a lovely court room displaying paintings of the London hospitals around. What I particularly enjoyed and found surprising was their music room that had chairs that played classical music. Quite relaxing. With a purchase of a ticket, you have an annual pass that will enable you to come back to visit as many times as you’d like. Definitely worth the money.
Harriet Ho
00
I had few expectations before coming as to what would see, but was free with Historic Houses. Though a little expensive for 45-60 minutes, it was interesting as gave a good look at first London foundling house, such as why it was needed and what the experience was like for mothers and children. The museum also give a bit of information about artists and philanthropy connections such as artist William Hogarth, George Frederic Handel, and Dickens. It’s spread out over four floors with 1-2 rooms each - and can be seen in about an hour if reading the GF and 2nd floor exhibits, and perusing the art on LG and 1st. A bit of information was on Handel - with the 2nd floor having info on his work Messiah, his last will and testament, music and interesting timeline in centre. Also a small gift shop, life and clean toilets.
Becky T
00
Overall it was a really fascinating experience. First of all the staff was welcoming and actually made a really good recommendation, buy the ticket see some things grab lunch and finish visiting. Another part is the comic book exhibit, which is amazing conceptually because it helps you realize that orphans make some of the best superheroes. Great use of warnings on racism and the reminder of how comic book content used to be on the past. The way stories were presented helped me as a visitor get immersed in the experience. Also great use of statistics to showcase the reality of the era. In my opinion it is a pricey museum but at the same time it is a story that you don't really hear and impacts you for a longer period of time. Not the most famous of British museums but one that doesn't get the credit it deserves.
Stefan Tudor
00
Came down from Manchester to see the exhibition about foundlings in comics. Great exhibition with lots of interesting comics to look at, both Western and Eastern, old and new. Some problematic depictions of marginalised people in a few of the old comics but thought the exhibition handled it well, acknowledged it and contrasted it with newer work by queer and POC artists. Had a look at the other exhibits too, there is a bit of a jarring feeling going between them as they are all so different! Bear in mind their entrance ramp is currently broken so wheelchair users must send someone up the steps to ask them to let you in around the side. (I suppose you could try shouting but luckily I wasn't alone.) However once you are in there is plenty of room to maneuver and a lift to all floors.
Julian Ryn Rossiter
00
London's Foundling Museum pleasantly surprised me with its poignant history and unexpected ties to composer George Frideric Handel. Nestled in the city's heart, it offers a unique glimpse into the past, unraveling the touching tale of the Foundling Hospital. The blend of classic and modern design creates an inviting ambiance. Handel's role in supporting the hospital, coupled with his handwritten music scores, adds a personal touch. While the exhibits are emotionally resonant, a bit more interactivity would enhance the experience. Nonetheless, this museum is a serene haven that unveils London's past and the intertwined threads of charity and art.
peter rypens
00
Nearby Attractions Of Foundling Museum
The British Museum
The British Museum
The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
King's Cross
Russell Square
The Postal Museum
St Pancras International
St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection
Sir John Soane's Museum
Travelodge London Kings Cross Royal Scot

The British Museum
4.7
(51.7K)
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The British Museum
4.7
(43.9K)
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The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
4.3
(12.8K)
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King's Cross
4.5
(7.2K)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Foundling Museum
Indian Lounge
Shakespeare's Head - JD Wetherspoon
O'Neill's Kings Cross
Pizza Union King's Cross
The Barrel Vault - JD Wetherspoon
German Gymnasium
Fishoria Fish and Chips
Colonel Saab, High Holborn
The Marquis Cornwallis
Roti King

Indian Lounge
4.7
(4.3K)
Click for details

Shakespeare's Head - JD Wetherspoon
4.2
(3.1K)
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O'Neill's Kings Cross
4.3
(3K)
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Pizza Union King's Cross
4.6
(2.7K)
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Basic Info
Address
40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 20 7841 3600
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Website
foundlingmuseum.org.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(538 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Foundling Museum in Brunswick Square, London, tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, Britain's first home for children at risk of abandonment.
attractions: The British Museum, The British Museum, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾, King's Cross, Russell Square, The Postal Museum, St Pancras International, St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection, Sir John Soane's Museum, Travelodge London Kings Cross Royal Scot, restaurants: Indian Lounge, Shakespeare's Head - JD Wetherspoon, O'Neill's Kings Cross, Pizza Union King's Cross, The Barrel Vault - JD Wetherspoon, German Gymnasium, Fishoria Fish and Chips, Colonel Saab, High Holborn, The Marquis Cornwallis, Roti King
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