Today is International Museum Day, a day planned to raise awareness of the importance of museums in the development of society. Organised every year since 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), 2014’s celebration saw more than 35,000 museums participate in over 140 countries by holding special events and activities around a selected theme. For 2015 the ICOM Advisory Committee has selected ‘Museums for a sustainable society’ as its theme. To mark the occasion we’ve rounded up a list of Nelson Bostock’s favourite museums…
(image courtesy of artfund.org)
Recommended by Rose and Sohaib.
“It’s a beautiful building, and packed full of amazing dinosaurs. A clear winner.” (Sohaib)
“I went recently. Aside from the dinos (which are awesome), I love the building itself, the stone bugs on the columns and the stain glass windows – but especially the ridiculously 90s eating area. It’s like ‘Crystal Maze’/’Saved by the Bell’ with far too many primary colours. Also, it’s so nostalgic – everyone has had a school trip there and felt completely intimidated by Dippy in the entrance.” (Rose)
Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD. Open daily, 10:00 – 17:50. Admission free.
(image courtesy of School of Information Studies, Syracuse University)
Recommended by Tim.
“I dare you not to be wowed by the Ionic frieze of the Parthenon! You could (I know because I have) lose yourself for days inside…”
Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG. Open daily, 10:00 – 17:30 (20:30 on Fridays). Admission free.
(image courtesy of Notes from Camelid Country)
Recommended by Lucie.
“It’s an amazing museum showcasing interior decoration through the ages, through a series of different living rooms. Perfect for those of us who like nosing into other people’s houses, and some of the décor is pretty cool. I’m working on creating a copy of the 50s room in my own flat.”
136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00 (Bank Holiday Mondays, 10:00 – 17:00). Admission free.
Recommended by Sophie Walker.
“One of my favourite finds to date. Hidden in the heart of Marylebone, this beautiful London town house showcases some great pieces including The Laughing Cavalier portrait by Frans Hals. I really recommend this little gem – book in for a free tour to experience the history of the house and its collections come alive before your eyes. Then have lunch at the courtyard restaurant in the middle of the house.”
Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN. Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00. Admission free.
(image courtesy of Wikipedia)
Recommended by Carlly.
“So many jars! I went on a date there and it was so romantic! Well, besides from the dead things.”
Royal College of Surgeons, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields. WC2A 3PE. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00. Admission free.
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Recommended by Melissa.
“Not only does the Norwich Castle Museum have an amazing exterior – you will always find a brilliant display inside as well! A must visit if you are ever in Norwich.”
Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU. Open Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 16:30, Sunday 13:00 – 16:30. Peak season (29/06/15 – 27/09/15) hours extended to 5pm. Admission £8.35 adult, £7.50 concessions, £6.25 child.
(image courtesy of Lewis Bush Photography)
Recommended by Tori.
“Kind enough to take a punt on me for work experience when I was at school this fantastically quirky museum, the preserved neo-classical home of architect Sir John Soane, includes the Picture Room, ingeniously designed to accommodate more pictures than you could imagine (when it first opened, more than the entire collection of the National Gallery!)”
13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 17:00, 18:00 – 21:00 on the first Tuesday of every month. Admission free.
Recommended by Harriet.
“The maritime museum in Greenwich holds a special place in my heart because I love boats. But, it’s great for all ages – you can learn about everything from the history of the Thames to swashbuckling pirates and the origin of lighthouses. Also, once you’re done exploring you can step out into the beautiful Greenwich park for lunch!”
Romney Road, SE10 9NF. Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00. Admission free.
Recommended by Sophie Williams.
“Venturing underground to see the original Cabinet War Room and bunker which sheltered Churchill truly transports you back to the Blitz. Eerie wax works aside, it’s fascinating stuff.”
Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A 2AQ. Open daily, 9:30 – 18:00. Admission free.