The Fan Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
The Fan Museum in Greenwich is devoted entirely to the history, culture and craft of the fan, housing over 6,000 examples from across the globe.
Founded by Hélène Alexander and her husband, this unique museum showcases the diverse history, culture and artistry of fans and fan making. Opened in 1991, it houses thousands of examples of fans, fan leaves and related ephemera from around the worl, dating back as far as the 10th century.
Explore the collection
The museum combines two collections of international renown. The Hélène Alexander Collection of fans, fan leaves & associated materials and The Fan Museum Trust Collection. Highlights include works by fine artists such as Paul Gauguin, a rare Elizabethan-period fan, Japanese Court fans & a spectacular Fabergé fan incorporating gold work and enameling.
Fan related objects
It’s not only fans that are on display, discover period costume, fan making tools & materials, catalogues and rare books. The museum also hosts a diverse programme of fan-themed temporary exhibitions.
Make your own fan
The museum runs regular ‘Fan Making Workshops’ with an experienced tutor, open to anyone wishing to try their hand at fan construction, from beginners right the way up to experienced makers. Spaces are limited so best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Did you know?…
Fans were not only used for cooling but also served as important social and cultural symbols? In many cultures, fans were used to convey messages, express emotions, and even indicate social status. The Fan Museum explores these fascinating aspects of fan history, revealing the rich and diverse world of these seemingly simple objects.
In July 2017, The Fan Museum ran a highly successful Art Happens crowdfunding campaign to launch a pioneering project aimed at putting fan making back on the map.
Visitor information
Address
12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London, London, SE10 8ER
020 8305 1441
Opening times
Wednesday to Saturday, 11h00 to 17h00. Last admissions at 16h30 each day.
Exclusions and safety measures
The Fan Museum is closed on public holidays and closes annually in January.
Refurbishments
The Orangery will not be open to the public for refreshments but is instead available for private hire; please contact the Museum Office for more information.
