Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square, London, Greater London, WC1N 1AZ
On the grounds of the original building, the Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital: an 18th-century children’s home established by philanthropist Thomas Coram. In addition to telling the story of children in care, the museum showcases works by the artist Willam Hogarth and composer George Frideric Handel, who both supported the original hospital, and pieces by contemporary artists including Tracey Emin.
The Basics
The first children’s charity in the UK when it was established in 1739, the Foundling Hospital cared and provided for unwanted and disadvantaged children. Though the Foundling Museum does not occupy the original hospital, which was eventually torn down, its current building dates to the 1930s and was built in a historical style, complete with lavish, rococo interiors. Today, the museum tells the story of the hospital; thanks in part to the many artists of the era who helped support it, it also possesses an impressive collection of paintings and other works. The institution is still closely associated with George Frideric Handel, who hosted charity performances for its benefit, and displays items related to the composer.
The Foundling Museum is included in the London Pass program and is an easy stop to add to an independent London cultural itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
While the Foundling Museum does not have a café on-site, it has deals with two nearby eateries: Leon (a fast-casual restaurant) and The Lamb (a storied Bloomsbury pub).
The Foundling Museum is equipped with ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms, and facilities for guide dogs.
Disabled visitors are entitled to discounted admission rates, and carers are able to visit for free.
A cloakroom, baby-changing facilities, and gift shop are all hosted on-site.
How to Get There
The Foundling Museum is located on Brunswick Square in Bloomsbury. To access the museum by Tube, take the Piccadilly line to Russell Square; the King’s Cross transit hub is also located within walking distance. Alternatively, use bus line 7, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, or 188. The museum can also be reached on foot, by bike, and by taxi.
When to Get There
The Foundling Museum is open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday. As the museum hosts an array of temporary exhibitions, as well as talks, performances, and other special events, it’s worth planning repeat visits.
Nearby Museums
If you wish to plan a full cultural day out, several of London’s other petite, personality-packed museums are located just minutes away, including the Charles Dickens Museum and the Postal Museum.
Ways to explore
The Foundling Museum is included in the London Pass program and is an easy stop to add to a day of sightseeing. But you can also visit on specialist tours, with itineraries that explore London’s or Bloomsbury’s role in healthcare history. Expect to discover recreations of rooms from the original hospital, pictures and furnishings created by leading artists of the day, the museum’s Handel collection, and contemporary artworks. Regularly changing exhibitions and displays, as well as talks, tours, and lunchtime concerts are also on offer.
Accessibility
The museum has an entry ramp, adapted bathrooms, Blue Badge parking, and an elevator—though this is only 2 feet 7 inches (80 centimeters) wide. A wheelchair plus folding chairs are available for use, as are magnifying glasses and large-print reading materials.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Bring tissues, as some of the stories the museum tells are heartbreaking.
What to wear
Dress for the London weather.
Not allowed
Flash photography, professional photography
Amenities
Shop, restrooms, baby-changing facilities
Address
The Foundling Museum is on Brunswick Square in Bloomsbury, about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northeast of Trafalgar Square.
Driving
Between the congestion charge and central London’s myriad one-way systems and regulations, Bloomsbury is not a car-friendly destination. Make like a local and walk, cycle, use public transit, or take a taxi or a rideshare.
Public transportation
Russell Square (Piccadilly line) is less than a 5-minute walk away. Or you can walk 10 minutes from King’s Cross St. Pancras, a hub for local, national, and international train connections as well as Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria line Tubes.
Best times to visit
The Foundling Museum is generally open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday.
Best days to visit
Weekday afternoons are the quietest times to visit. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays.
Best months to visit
When the weather’s pleasant, especially in the summer, you can have a picnic in Brunswick Square or Coram’s Fields, a 5-minute walk from the museum.
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