Cartoon Museum

The basics

Some London sightseeing passes include entry to the museum, or you can purchase tickets at the door. The museum showcases pieces from its permanent collections as well as rotating exhibitions, and there are workshops and special events such as life drawing classes and evening talks. Visits are self-guided, with exhibits covering everything from British political satirists to the longstanding Dandy and Beano comic magazines. There's also a shop selling books, gifts, stationery, and other merchandise.

Things to know before you go

• The Cartoon Museum is wheelchair-accessible.
• Profits from sales at the on-site shop benefit the museum, which is a registered charity.
• Children will likely enjoy the comic book exhibits, though some of the displays—such as the political cartoons—are geared toward older cartoon enthusiasts.

How to get there

The Cartoon Museum is situated in Fitzrovia in Central London. If you’re coming by public transit, ride the Tube to Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, or Victoria lines), Tottenham Court Road (Central or Northern lines), or Goodge Street (Northern line).

When to get there

The museum is closed on Mondays and has limited opening hours on Sundays. Weekends are usually busy. Go midweek for a quieter experience.

London for cartoon enthusiasts

You'll find a range of attractions in London celebrating cartooning. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in Camden showcases exhibits on everything from children’s book illustrators—including Quentin Blake—to graphic novelists and designers. In Hounslow, there's the country home of William Hogarth, now a museum celebrating the distinguished cartoonist's life and work. In Kensington, explore 18 Stafford Terrace, a townhouse museum where Punch magazine illustrator Linley Sambourne lived with his family from 1875 to 1910.

Ways to explore

While this may be one of London’s smaller museums, there’s a lot to see: Along with a collection including some 6,000 cartoons and comics, the museum has a library of some 8,000 comic books that trace Britain’s cartoon art history from the 18th century to the current day. Aim for a couple of hours inside to admire all the exhibits.

Admission to the Cartoon Museum is included in the London Pass, so if you plan to spend a lot of time in the city visiting attractions, it’s a great way to save money. Some hop-on, hop-off buses also pass by the area, offering an easy way to get there in between sightseeing stops.

Accessibility

The Cartoon Museum is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator and accessible galleries and restrooms.

Age limits

None. Admission is free for visitors under 18, and the museum often hosts workshops for kids.

What to pack

A small bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Nothing in particular

Amenities

Elevator, small lockers, restrooms, small gift shop

Address

The Cartoon Museum is a few streets back from Oxford Circus into the Fitzrovia district of central London. You can walk to it easily from the Oxford Street shops and the BT Tower.

Driving

You’ll need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. Note that there are additional restrictions on driving down nearby Oxford Street during the daytime. Skip the car, if you can.

Public transportation

Take the tube to Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central, or Victoria line), or Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth or Northern line), or Goodge Street (Northern line), which are all within a 5–10-minute walk. Alternatively, central London bus routes #88 and #453 both stop close to the museum.

Best times to visit

The Cartoon Museum is open from mid-morning Tuesday to Saturday, and starting at noon on Sunday. In the morning, you’re likely to have more of the museum to yourself.

Best days to visit

Any day is good besides Monday, when the museum is closed.

Best months to visit

The museum is open year-round. While it’s not one of London’s busiest museums, it may feel quieter out of the peak summer months.

Special events

On the last Thursday of every month, the museum stays open into the evening, often offering a bar, a tour, and the chance to meet comic creators. There are also free Relaxed Monday events that are specially designed for neurodiverse kids and adults. Advance booking is essential.