The Museum of the Home was previously called the Geffrye Museum. I wrote my first post about this London Museum in August 2015 and returned last week to see what had changed. The Rooms Through Time showcasing how middle-class Londoners lived over the previous 400 years has been refreshed. The Home Galleries section is new, which explores emotionally and practically what home means to different people. Make sure you explore the glorious gardens, the excellent gift shop and Molly’s Cafe. If you’re looking for the best museums in London, free London museums or things to do in Hoxton, you’ll love the Museum of the Home.
Museum Of The Home Highlights
The Rooms Through Time are the room settings displaying a snapshot of how we have lived over the past 400 years. These have been refreshed, so they are worth another look if you’ve seen them before. The focus is on the formal parlour and living rooms that are an integral part of our homes. These are based on real London homes, showing how the owners lived if they had comfortable means. The room sets show furniture from the time, decorative accessories, and curated objects to tell a story of the people who lived there.
The Home Galleries explore homes through people’s everyday experiences of what being at home means to them over the last four hundred years. You’ll see a mix of new and historical stories about how people interact with their homes. The subject matter includes everything from what we choose to display in our homes to how we entertain and use our gardens. These stories are expressed through photographs, sound, film and product installations. It’s an emotional journey covering faith, loss, and love so get your tissues ready!
Make sure you venture out into the gardens for a tour because they look splendid, even in winter. The theme is how city gardens have developed over time, from the Tudor Knot Garden to a Modern Green Roof and the Herb Garden. While you are outside, you also get to admire the stunning museum building.
If you want to buy a gift for your home or a friend, you’ll enjoy browsing the gift shop. It’s one of the best museum shops I’ve seen, with an exclusive collection by Christine Berrie and Sophia Frances. Products include art, stationery, games, picnic items, decorative objects, home accessories, kitchenware, books and kids’ toys. If you are unable to visit the Museum, you can shop online.
After your tour around the Museum, make sure you head to Molly’s Café opposite Hoxton Overground. Molly’s is officially part of the Museum, although it has a separate entrance. The food is excellent with breakfast and lunch, Monmouth coffee and home-baked cakes. Please read my Molly’s Cafe Review for more information.
The Museum of the Home Information
For more information, please visit the Museum of the Home website. The Museum is housed inside a 300-year-old almshouse built-in 1714 with money from Sir Robert Geffrye, and you’ll see his statue on the building beneath the clock. They note that Sir Robert Geffrye was an English merchant who made part of his money from his investment in transatlantic slavery. He is not connected to the founding of the Museum or its collections. There is a public consultation about the future of the statue because of the links to slavery. The Museum of the Home address is 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA. It is directly opposite the Hoxton Overground station. Current opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm, with the last entry at 4 pm. It is free entry, but at the moment, you are encouraged to book your slot online. On-site are other amenities, including a collections library and activities for the kids. I hope you enjoy your visit.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
