Horniman Museum and Gardens
Horniman Museum and Gardens
An inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free attraction in South London’s Forest Hill.
We’ve been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, our collection has grown tenfold and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history collection.
Unusually for such an important museum, you can see our collection up-close and face-to-face. You can even pick up, try on and play with some of our objects.
Our visitors come time and again to explore our free museum, take part in our activities and enjoy our 16-acre gardens. And they discover something fascinating and mesmerising every time.
Frederick Horniman
Frederick John Horniman, Victorian tea trader and philanthropist, began collecting objects, specimens and artefacts 'illustrating natural history and the arts and handicrafts of various peoples of the world' from around 1860. His overarching mission was to 'bring the world to Forest Hill' and educate and enrich the lives of the local community.
His travels took him to far flung destinations such as Egypt, Sri Lanka, Burma, China, Japan, Canada and the United States collecting objects which 'either appealed to his own fancy or that seemed to him likely to interest and inform those who had not had the opportunity to visit distant lands'. Mr Horniman’s interest as a collector was well known and many travellers approached him with specimens and curiosities.
By the late nineteenth century, these 'natural, industrial and artistic spoils had accumulated to such an extent that he gave up the whole house to the collections'.
The Horniman family’s former London Road residence became known as the Surrey House Museum and was freely opened to the general public on 24 December 1890.
Schools
Our learning packs can help you explore the Museum, Gardens and collections before your visit, while at the museum or afterwards.