Museum of the Home — Attraction in London

The Museum of the Home, formerly known as the Geffrye Museum, is a captivating destination that offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of domestic life in London over the centuries. Located in the heart of Hoxton, this museum is a delightful journey through time, providing visitors with a rich and immersive experience.

One of the museum's standout features is its remarkable series of period rooms. These meticulously curated displays showcase the changing trends in interior design, decor, and daily life, spanning from the 1600s to the present day. Walking through these rooms feels like stepping into different eras, and it's fascinating to observe how lifestyles and aesthetics have evolved over time.

The outdoor gardens, often overlooked by visitors, provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of London. The carefully landscaped gardens offer a pleasant setting to relax and reflect, with period-appropriate plantings that transport you to bygone eras.

The Museum of the Home also excels in its use of multimedia and interactive displays. Engaging exhibits and digital installations help bring historical narratives to life, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events that add a dynamic element to each visit. These events cater to a wide range of interests, from art and design enthusiasts to history buffs.

One can't help but appreciate the thoughtful and inclusive approach to storytelling at the Museum of the Home. It invites visitors to ponder the concept of "home" in a broader cultural and societal context, addressing issues such as migration, identity, and the ever-changing dynamics of family life.

The Museum of the Home, with its rich historical narratives, engaging exhibits, and beautiful surroundings, is an absolute gem in London's museum scene. Whether you're a local or a tourist, it offers a captivating journey through time and a deeper appreciation for the concept of "home." It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of domestic life and the cultural...

There is a ramp from the pavement via the centre front gates down to the garden path. In the far right corner of the garden there is a narrow entrance door up a few stairs. There is a ramp that runs along the side of the building and access to the bottom of the ramp is slightly blocked by an ornate handrail for another set of stairs. So you have do a sharp right once through the gap to access the ramp. Once up the ramp you have to do a sharp left to go in the narrow door. Once inside its a huge space with a reception area and shop and loos.

Reception staff are friendly and advise where to start the tour and offer help.

The lift just fits a powerchair and a companion.

The first part of the exhibition had some very interesting exhibits notably the video about home objects that were important to local people and the alllotmenteers.

Much of the exhibition was inaccessible as it was too high for me to read. The tiny pod rooms were exhausting to navigate and if someone was in them it was impossible to move. Bear in mind i went super off peak. There seemed a lack of narrative coherence so it was quite disappointing.

The final section was more familiar as I used to come here a lot pre wheelchair with my kids. We used to love to come here at Christmas, the lights, the tree. Each room charting how Christmas celebrations evolved. Visiting the refurbed building felt like someone popped my balloon. It felt sad, unloved and uncared for.

The shop is big, very accessible in a power chair and staff offer to get things without being asked.

There are disabled loos but I did not try them.

There is blue badge parking outside the front entrance for 3 hours and unlimited free parking for Blue badge on paid for parking bays on Pearson Street.

I'm planning to go back when they have done the next room refurb and I want to visit the gardens. Hopefully things will have...

I enjoyed my visit here. Have passed this place a lot when I was younger (it was called Geffrye Museum formerly) but never ventured inside until today.

The museum exhibits what 'home' means to people, since the 17th century. You see a lot of topics being discovered, such as housework, women's roles, style and taste, entertainment and technology. What I found most interesting was the stories of different people who have made London their homes. You get to read their anecdotes on how they came to London, where they settled and their perceptions of their homes.

There is also intriguing artwork by photographers to capture the moments of people and their homes. A good exhibition was the 'Ethelburga Tower' (in Battersea) showing how people living in different flat have designed and decorated their main room.

Towards the end of the tour, you get the see parlours and rooms as they would have looked like at the time it mentions e.g. 'A parlour in 1745', this is part of the 'rooms throughout time' which proceeds into the 20th century.

There is also a room for children to take part in activities such as origami (I left a handmade paper star box) or write what they liked about the museum or what their concepts about home are. A gift shop is available too, with useful paraphernalia (I settled with a fridge magnet as a memento).

There is an outdoor space too, which is the garden full of plants to show 'gardens through time'. It was too rainy for me to enjoy to the full extent, but I liked what I saw.

I would definitely recommend this museum; information is not just available through text but there are some interactive parts in some sections where you can listen to people's experiences through audio, or watch videos. Perhaps I will visit...