Horniman Museum

What's On

Now

Jul

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Mar

Art in the Gardens: 125th Anniversary

Artwork by Year 9 students from Conisborough College, made with a Goldsmiths graduate, celebrating the museum's 125th anniversary and the Gardens' biodiversity.

Now showing26 Jun – 31 Oct· Free

British Wildlife Photography Awards

Award-winning British wildlife photography spanning animal behaviour, botanical subjects, urban wildlife and marine life, with captions giving context for each image.

Now showing17 Jul – 21 Feb 2027· Free

Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures

Inspired by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, board the submarine Nautilus for a hands-on underwater adventure exploring ocean environments and sea creatures.

Now showingUntil 1 Nov

Octonauts: Adventure at the Horniman

Become an Octocadet and complete mini-missions across the museum, from hunting for shells to designing underwater vehicles, ending in the Sound Garden.

Now showingUntil 1 Nov· Free

Permanent Collections

Living Waters Aquarium

Fifteen tanks of aquatic life from British ponds to Fijian coral reefs, with fish, jellyfish, seahorses and frogs in a surprisingly enchanting underground space.

Permanent collection

Natural History Gallery

Cabinets of Victorian wonder: stuffed animals, pickled specimens, insect models and the famous over-stuffed walrus. Closed for refurbishment, reopening in 2027.

Permanent collection· Free

Music Gallery

Over 1,300 historical instruments from across the globe, tracing how music is made and how wind instruments evolved from the 18th century to today.

Permanent collection· Free

World Gallery

Over 3,000 objects from the anthropology collection spanning Africa, the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Europe, celebrating human creativity across cultures.

Permanent collection· Free

Visitor Information

Is Horniman Museum free to visit?

Yes, general admission to Horniman Museum is free. Aquarium, Butterfly House, and some exhibitions require paid tickets. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of Horniman Museum?

Horniman Museum is open Daily 10:00–17:30. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Horniman Museum?

Horniman Museum is located at 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ, in the Forest Hill area of London. The nearest station is Forest Hill.

What can I see at Horniman Museum?

A wonderfully eclectic museum of anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments with stunning gardens. Current highlights include Living Waters Aquarium, British Wildlife Photography Awards and Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures.

Do I need to book Horniman Museum in advance?

Horniman Museum is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Aquarium, Butterfly House, and some exhibitions require paid tickets. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit Horniman Museum?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Is Horniman Museum accessible?

Step-free access to most of the museum. Gardens have some steep paths. Wheelchairs available free of charge.