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The Foundling Museum and its collection

The Foundling Museum
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The Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, the first home for abandoned children established in Britain. The institution was opened in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram. The collection the museum holds includes paintings and sculptures by well-known British 18th-century artists such as William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, and Joshua Reynolds, as well as works by contemporary artists such as Tracey Emin, Yinka Shonibare, and Lemn Sissay. The museum also displays objects from the history of the Hospital and other artefacts, including a large collection of tokens left by mothers with their babies.

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

#22 Art & Design in London #23 History & Anthropology in London #3 Children's museums in London #7 Contemporary art museums in London #19 Historic houses in London #2 Music museums in London #16 Person & artist museums in London #6 Photography museums in London #152 Art & Design in England #31 Children's museums in England #28 Contemporary art museums in England #11 Music museums in England #79 Person & artist museums in England #16 Photography museums in England #190 Art & Design in United Kingdom #38 Children's museums in United Kingdom #33 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #13 Music museums in United Kingdom #96 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #20 Photography museums in United Kingdom #153 Children's museums in Europe #79 Music museums in Europe #72 Photography museums in Europe

#22 Art & Design in London #23 History & Anthropology in London #3 Children's museums in London #7 Contemporary art museums in London #19 Historic houses in London #2 Music museums in London #16 Person & artist museums in London #6 Photography museums in London #152 Art & Design in England #31 Children's museums in England #28 Contemporary art museums in England #11 Music museums in England #79 Person & artist museums in England #16 Photography museums in England #190 Art & Design in United Kingdom #38 Children's museums in United Kingdom #33 Contemporary art museums in United Kingdom #13 Music museums in United Kingdom #96 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #20 Photography museums in United Kingdom #153 Children's museums in Europe #79 Music museums in Europe #72 Photography museums in Europe

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The Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square
London
WC1N 1AZ London

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
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Admission

0 – 21Free
National Art PassFree
Adults£14.50
Reduced£10.50

Please see our website for a full list of Concessions.

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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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