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Horniman Museum

ChildrenMusicNatural HistoryClosed · Opens 10amFreeForest Hill

The Horniman is a South London treasure — part natural history museum, part world cultures collection, part musical instrument archive, all wrapped up in a beautiful Art Nouveau building with 16 acres of hillside gardens. The overstuffed walrus is a beloved mascot, the aquarium is surprisingly good, and the hands-on music gallery lets you actually play instruments from around the world. A perfect antidote to the crowded central London museums.

What's On

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Mon10:00–17:30
Tue10:00–17:30
Wed10:00–17:30
Thu10:00–17:30
Fri10:00–17:30
Sat10:00–17:30
SunToday10:00–17:30

Address

100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ

Nearest station: Forest Hill

Admission

Free

Aquarium, Butterfly House, and some exhibitions require paid tickets

Accessibility

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

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 World Gallery, Music Gallery, Natural History Gallery.
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.

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