London Days Out | Opens Saturday 28 November 2026
It’s one of the biggest cultural openings London has seen in years. The new London Museum, formerly the Museum of London, opens its free permanent galleries in Smithfield’s restored Victorian General Market on Saturday 28 November, just in time for the museum’s 50th anniversary.
Here are five things to know.
1. A historic building brought back to life
The opening completes a decade-long restoration of the General Market, built in the 1880s, which has been closed to the public for more than 30 years. It’s one of Europe’s largest cultural infrastructure projects, with a total cost of around £437 million funded by the City of London Corporation, the Mayor of London and philanthropic supporters. The museum has been designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, with conservation by Julian Harrap Architects, and the soaring iron and brick market halls are as much of an attraction as the collection itself.
2. London’s story in all its grit and glitter
The museum will tell the story of one of the world’s greatest cities, from its earliest days to the present, combining iconic objects with never-before-seen items. More than 100,000 people from London and beyond have helped to shape it, so it promises to feel like a museum made by Londoners, for Londoners.
3. Some truly remarkable objects
Highlights confirmed for display include the silk vest worn by Charles I at his execution in 1649, Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal, Anna Pavlova’s “Dying Swan” dress, the Lord Mayor’s golden State Coach, Banksy’s Piranhas police sentry box, and even a piece of the notorious Whitechapel Fatberg. Look out too for Roman writing tablets capturing some of London’s earliest surviving voices, and the diving trunks Tom Daley wore at the London 2012 Olympics.
4. A celebration of London food
The opening season, London Tastes, runs from November 2026 to August 2027 and celebrates the city’s rich food culture. It’s guest-edited by food writer Ruby Tandoh and Vittles founder Jonathan Nunn, which feels fitting for a museum housed in one of London’s great historic markets. The museum is designed as a social space for the city, not just a place to look at objects.
5. It’s free, with more to come
Entry to the permanent galleries is free. This is stage one: the neighbouring 1960s Poultry Market will follow in 2028, adding temporary exhibition spaces, a learning centre and collection stores. Expect the opening weekend to be very busy, so it may be worth planning a visit for a weekday morning. Until then, London Museum Docklands at West India Quay is open daily.
Visit
London Museum
General Market, West Smithfield, London EC1A 9AG
Opens Saturday 28 November 2026
Free entry to the permanent galleries
Nearest stations: Farringdon, Barbican and St Paul’s