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The Foundling Museum and its collection

The Foundling Museum
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The Foundling Museum is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the experiences of people who have been in care and the artists, past and present, inspired by their stories. Our story begins in the 1700s, at a time of profound social upheaval and the creation of the Foundling Hospital – the UK’s first children’s charity. Its radical purpose was to care for London’s most vulnerable children and offer safer, kinder options for mothers facing impossible decisions. Artists and musicians were central from the start, helping to change public attitudes and raise funds to create and sustain the Hospital. Handel led fundraising concerts here, while Hogarth and his peers donated works of art, creating the UK’s first public art gallery and laying the foundations for a collection of national significance, encompassing art, music and the personal tokens left by mothers. Many regard this as the birthplace of modern cultural philanthropy in Britain. That founding belief – that culture and compassion can drive social change – still defines everything we do. Visitors encounter historic and contemporary art, personal objects, music, exhibitions, and events. Alongside this, our learning programmes provide vital support to young people and communities.

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History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Art & Design Art & Design Historic house Person & Artist Photography Children Contemporary art Music

#21 Photography museums in United Kingdom #95 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #13 Music museums in United Kingdom #33 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #38 Children's museums in United Kingdom #185 Art & Design in United Kingdom #76 Photography museums in Europe #77 Music museums in Europe #149 Children's museums in Europe #7 Photography museums in London #16 Person & artist museums in London #2 Music museums in London #19 Historic houses in London #7 Contemporary art museums in London #3 Children's museums in London #19 History & Anthropology in London #19 Art & Design in London #17 Photography museums in England #79 Person & artist museums in England #11 Music museums in England #28 Contemporary art museums in England #31 Children's museums in England #148 Art & Design in England

#21 Photography museums in United Kingdom #95 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #13 Music museums in United Kingdom #33 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #38 Children's museums in United Kingdom #185 Art & Design in United Kingdom #76 Photography museums in Europe #77 Music museums in Europe #149 Children's museums in Europe #7 Photography museums in London #16 Person & artist museums in London #2 Music museums in London #19 Historic houses in London #7 Contemporary art museums in London #3 Children's museums in London #19 History & Anthropology in London #19 Art & Design in London #17 Photography museums in England #79 Person & artist museums in England #11 Music museums in England #28 Contemporary art museums in England #31 Children's museums in England #148 Art & Design in England

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The Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square
London
London
WC1N 1AZ

Images of The Foundling Museum

Visitor information The Foundling Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
11:00 – 17:00
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 21Free
National Art PassFree
Adult (booked online)£13.50
Adults£14.50
Reduced£13.00
Reduced (booked online)£12.00

Please see our website for a full list of Reduced Price Tickets.

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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Child-friendly

Location & Map

40 Brunswick Square, London

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Exhibitions

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The Foundling Museum Reviews

The Foundling Museum has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Foundling Museum in London offers visitors a poignant look into the history of Britain's first home for abandoned children. Located in Bloomsbury, this museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, established in 1739 by Thomas Coram. The museum's exhibits showcase the lives of the children who lived there, as well as the hospital's connections to notable figures in art and music.

    Visitors often appreciate the museum's thoughtful presentation of social history. The artworks on display, including pieces donated by William Hogarth and other prominent artists of the time, add depth to the historical narrative. The Handel Gallery, dedicated to the composer George Frideric Handel who was a major benefactor of the hospital, is frequently mentioned as a highlight.

    However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small, which can be seen as both a positive (easily manageable in a short visit) and a negative (limited scope). A few reviews mention that certain exhibits could benefit from more interactive elements to engage younger visitors.

    The museum's temporary exhibitions receive mixed feedback, with some praised for their creativity and relevance, while others are considered less impactful.

    Overall, The Foundling Museum provides a moving and educational experience, offering insight into an often overlooked aspect of London's social history. While it may not have the grandeur of larger London museums, its focused narrative and intimate setting allow for a more personal connection to the stories presented.

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