Bow Street Police Museum
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The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.
Follow the stories of London’s first official law enforcement service intertwined with the history of Covent Garden and its unique links with police history.
The museum explores the stories of the Bow Street Patrols and Metropolitan Police officers who patrolled the streets of Covent Garden, from the earliest watchmen to 18th-century crime fighting and the present-day justice system.
Located on the site of the 1881 Bow Street Magistrates' Court and Police Station, the museum has been completely transformed for visiting, such as the former cells which have been turned into individual galleries. Explore the tales of the people who worked there over the ages and how the market, theatreland, shops, bars and restaurants were connected to operations on Bow Street.
Onsite you can enjoy family activity such as a little detective's trail, themed guided tours of the museum and collection, and fascinating evening talks. Hear stories of arrests and justice and explore cases of international renown.
