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3529
Geffrye Museum
Sight
22
Museums & Galleries
ATTRACTION
Period MuseumHOURS/TIMES
Mon.: Closed (unless a Bank holiday-see below); Tue.-Sat.: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sun. and Bank holiday Mon.: 12:00pm-5:00pm; Good Friday, Dec. 24-26, and Jan. 1: Closed; Almshouse: 1st Sat. of every month; 1st and 3rd Wed. of every monthPRICE
Museum/Gardens: Free; Almshouse (Adults): GBP 2POPULAR TIMES
Weekends; Almshouse WednesdaysRESERVE IN ADVANCE
On Almshouse Wednesdays, recommendedWAIT TIME WITHOUT RESERVATION
On most days, noneHIGHLIGHTS
Almshouse; Oriental and English porcelain, figurines, and vases; Christmas Past exhibition; tea salons from different periodsALLOW
1-2 hoursTUBE
Old Street
VIBE
The museum is educational, showing how less well-off Londoners lived, a glimpse which is rarely offered at tourist magnets like Buckingham Palace. Almshouse is quite fascinating with rooms depicting a poor Londoner’s abode years ago (e.g., a governess during the 19th century or an impoverished widow of the 20th century).
GO HERE WITH
Several friends, little children, or yourself; you don’t have to be particularly interested in period decoration to enjoy this museum.
WHY WE LIKE IT
This fascinating museum borders a lovely garden that is family friendly with musical acts (when we visited, a Caribbean group–complete with steel drums–were contributing to the happy summer atmosphere).
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
More hours for the Almshouses. It’s a wonderful part of the Geffrye Museum, and more people should be able to enjoy it.
GOOD TO KNOW
Back garden is also another quiet place to relax, with locals enjoying the sunshine. Facilities also include a restaurant and an imaginative gift shop.
CLOSEST COMPS
Victoria and Albert Museum (London); Sir John Soane’s Museum (London)
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