London Museum's Past Time galleries © Secchi Smith Atelier Brückner London is preparing to open one of its most intriguing new cultural attractions. On November 28, 2026, the London Museum will open to the public in its new location in the historic Smithfield complex, in the heart of the city.
This £437 million project aims to transform a historic Victorian market building into a cultural, tourist and entertainment center operating throughout the day and evening.
The project is now reaching its final stages, ready to welcome the first visitors.
The main building, General Market, was closed to the public for more than three decades. After years of restoration and conservation work, it is expected to reopen with permanent galleries, event spaces, a restaurant, a shop and activity areas.
The new museum will present the story of the British capital from prehistoric times, through Roman London and the medieval city, to the events and processes that shaped modern London.
Among the prominent exhibits planned to be revealed to the public are the historic mayor's carriage, items from the British royal era, works of art and objects related to social struggles and figures who influenced the city.
One of the intriguing exhibits is a work by street artist Banksy, alongside a rare collection of jewelry from the Elizabethan and James I eras.
The museum will also display writing tablets from the period of Roman rule, which provide a rare glimpse into the daily life of the city's residents some two thousand years ago.
One of the most interesting architectural additions to the complex is actually located below ground level. During the restoration work, the museum incorporated underground spaces that were part of the historic infrastructure system of the market and the nearby railway.
In one of the spaces, which was once used to store salt, a viewing window has been designed that allows visitors to see trains traveling on the active railway adjacent to the museum. The combination of tunnels, historic brick walls, railway tracks and exhibition galleries creates an experience that connects the London of the past with the modern city that continues to operate around it.
Contrary to the traditional perception of a museum as a space for exhibitions only, the London Museum is also intended to be a center for entertainment. At the center of the complex will be a large events space called Our Time, where cultural activities, performances and meetings for the general public will take place.
A program was announced ahead of the opening, including music nights on Fridays and Saturdays, with DJ performances and special events. Starting in January 2027, monthly Dinner Club nights are also planned, featuring culinary experts from London, who will offer themed meals alongside content and entertainment.
At the same time, the London Tastes project will integrate the city's food scene into the museum's activities, with the aim of creating a place where visitors can not only view the exhibits but also hang out, eat and experience the local culture.
One of the important pieces of news for visitors is that entry to the new permanent galleries will be free. The museum is located in the Smithfield area of the City of London, within walking distance of Farringdon station, which is connected to the Thameslink, Underground and Elizabeth lines.
The opening on November 28 will focus on the Victorian market building and permanent galleries. The adjacent Poultry Market is due to open in 2028 and will include temporary exhibition spaces, a learning centre and collections storage. The project has been developed in partnership with the City of London, the Lord Mayor of London and philanthropic organisations, as part of a wider plan to transform the Smithfield area into an urban cultural hub.
For tourists planning to visit London at the end of the year, this is a significant addition to the list of attractions in the city, especially for those looking for an experience that combines history, architecture, art and entertainment without having to pay for admission to the permanent exhibitions.