Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman has a unique range of exhibitions, events and activities which illustrate the cultural and natural world. Our collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments provide the inspiration for our programme of permanent and temporary exhibitions and events and activities. A full range of events and activities take place for different audiences including storytelling and art and craft sessions for children, and courses and workshops for adults.
This museum has Designated Collections of national importance.
Venue Type:
Museum, Garden, parklands or rural site
Additional info
Our library is open to the public by appointment only.
The Ethnography and Music collections are Designated Collections of national importance.
The Museum holds in total some 350,000 objects and related items. The Horniman has three main collections, World Cultures (Ethnography) comprising 80,000 objects, Natural History with 250,000 specimens, and Music with over 7,000 instruments plus 1,000 archive documents. There is also a parallel education handling collection which has over 3,700 objects drawn from all three main disciplines and a library collection with texts and related items covering the main collection areas.
The Museum also has an active collecting policy with regular fieldwork to acquire new objects and to find out more about existing ones carried out by curators. Over 90% of the collections of Ethnography and Music have been acquired since the original bequest by Frederick Horniman in 1901. Most objects not currently on display are held in storage at the Museum's Study Collection Centre in Greenwich, while the Museum also loans objects to other institutions for exhibitions.
Collection details
World Cultures, Weapons and War, Social History, Science and Technology, Photography, Performing Arts, Natural Sciences, Music, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives, Archaeology
Key artists and exhibits
- Designated Collection
The Robot Zoo
- 11 February — 29 October 2017 *on now
The animals that share our world have been adapting to their environment for millions of years. Each of their amazing abilities helps them to live in all the different habitats across the planet. This interactive exhibition will allow you to take a closer look at how each of these creatures perform their special talents.
Learn how a bat catches its prey in the dark, have a go at shooting a chameleon's 'tongue-gun' and even have a go at designing your own robot creature!
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Adult - £7
Child - £4
Under 3 - free
Website
The Robot Zoo
- 11 February — 29 October 2017 *on now
This family friendly exhibition features larger-than-life animals recreated in robot form, using a variety of machine parts and gadgets to reveal how their real life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide. Interactive exhibits also give you the chance to try jet-propelled squid racing, shoot a chameleon's 'tongue-gun' and even design your own 'mutant' robot creature.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Family £18.70, Child £4.40, Adult £7.70 (includes voluntary 10% Gift Aid donation). Joint tickets with the Aquarium available. Horniman Members get FREE unlimited entry.
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/robotzoo
Pani
- 20 May — 26 November 2017 *on now
Using symbols drawn on terracotta water containers and vibrant maps, Artsit Daksha Patel draws attention to the environmental threats facing rivers and water courses, and the challenges encountered by the people and wildlife that depend upon this most precious resource.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Admission
Free
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/upcoming-exhibitions/pani#image-0
Bengal Tiger
- 13 June — 3 September 2017 *on now
A stunning taxidermy Bengal Tiger, on loan from the Natural History Museum, is on display in our Natural History Gallery throughout our Indian Summer.
Free
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/summer-season
India Unplugged
- 13 June — 24 September 2017 *on now
Until 24 September
This photography exhibition showcases traditional music making in Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Odisha and Kerala. The featured musicians were photographed during a project to document disappearing music and instruments in India, at a time of rapid change, between 2000 and 2007. The ‘Traditional Music in India’ project was run by the British Library Sound Archive and the Horniman. It aimed to reflect aspects of the cultural and musical diversity of India.
Free
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Admission
Free
Film screenings - In partnership with The Luna Cinema Slumdog Millionaire (15)
- 1 August 2017 7:15-9:45pm
Doors open 7.15pm. Film starts 8.45pm
An orphan from the slums of Mumbai is one question away from winning India’s ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ Accused of cheating, he reveals how his incredible past and search for love are the answer for his success in Danny Boyle’s acclaimed film.
Directed by Danny Boyle, 120 minutes. Certificate - 15
Tickets are sold through The Luna Cinema and See Tickets
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
Admission
Tickets: Adult £15. Disabled and carer admission: £7.50
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/film-screening-slumdog-millionaire
Bandstand Music
- 6 — 20 August 2017
Sundays 6, 13, 20 August, 3-6pm
Enjoy music on the Bandstand with local favourites, and sounds from across South Asia.
Free
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/summer-season
Film screenings - In partnership with The Luna Cinema The Jungle Book (U)
- 6 August 2017 From 7:45pm
Doors open 7.15pm. Film starts 8.45pm
Mowgli’s journey to the man-village to escape the Bengal tiger Shere Khan becomes an unforgettable adventure in the company of Bagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. 2017 is the 50th anniversary of this classic, song-filled Disney animation.
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, 78 minutes
Tickets are sold through The Luna Cinema and See Tickets.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Admission
Adult: £15
Child: £10
Disabled and carer admission: £7.50
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/events/film-screening-the-jungle-book
Hear it Live!
- 29 August 2017 3:30-4pm
Mehboob Nadeem will introduce and perform on the sitar, North India’s best known stringed instrument. Everyone welcome - but most suitable for children 5+.
Free
Admission
Free
Horniman Mela
- 3 September 2017 12-6pm
Our amazing Indian Summer draws to an end with a fun day of performances and activities inspired by popular South Asian festivals and celebratory traditions, and an arts and crafts market in partnership with Pexmas. The day will culminate with a spectacular gathering to recreate a Holi festival colour throw (it will be messy so please don’t wear or bring anything valuable or that stains easily. Plastic ponchos will be available).
Free
Website
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/visit/summer-season
Horniman Museum and Gardens
100 London Road
Forest Hill
London
Greater London
SE23 3PQ
England
Website
Telephone
020 8699 1872
Fax
020 8291 5506
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