Founded in 1901, the Horniman Museum and Gardens in south London houses nationally regarded collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments, as well as an aquarium.
With over 16 acres of landscaped gardens offering dramatic views of London, and a year-round programme of exhibitions, activities and events, the Horniman offers visitors of all ages an inspiring window on the world.
The Horniman is London’s only museum where environment, ecology and human cultures can be seen side by side at a global scale. Alongside the idyllic oasis of gardens, the museum's eclectic collection of over 350,000 objects spans anthropology, natural history, musical instruments and an aquarium.
In April 2015, the museum ran a highly successful Art Happens crowdfunding campaign to fund an exhibition of Mark Fairington's paintings, alongside the hidden specimens that inspired them. And during 2021, the museum began an online club of Environment Champions, created a micro-forest to combat severe local air pollution; and launched the 696 Programme – an investigation into the responsibility of public organisations to support local music.
The Horniman is dedicated to providing a creative hub for the local south London community, and particularly encourages young people to connect with art and museums – from implementing a thriving youth panel to offering work experience and apprenticeship opportunities, the museum is constantly inspiring the next generation.
Meet Me at the Museum
Actor and writer Lolita Chakrabarti visits the Horniman Museum & Gardens in London to explore a collection that’s full of surprises.
Horniman Museum and Gardens is a finalist for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022.
