The London Museum is set to open to the public on November 28, marking the completion of a restoration project spanning more than ten years. The museum will be housed in the restored Victorian-era Smithfield Market, reopening the historic site for public use for the first time in over three decades.

The new institution will offer free access to permanent galleries that narrate London’s extensive history through a wide-ranging collection of artifacts. Among the exhibits are Banksy’s Piranhas artwork, King Charles I’s execution vest, and Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal. Additional displays include the Whitechapel Fatberg, the Lord Mayor’s Coach, ballerina Anna Pavlova’s Dying Swan costume, as well as items never before exhibited publicly.

Beneath the market’s restored dome, visitors will find a newly created social space incorporating a restaurant, a shop, and a performance venue. The museum will also feature Our Time in Linbury Hall, a versatile gathering area hosting a day-to-night program that explores four thematic areas: tastes, sounds, plays, and wears. The opening series, London Tastes, will be led by baker Ruby Tandoh and food writer Jonathan Nunn, highlighting the city’s diverse culinary heritage.

Exhibitions in the Past Times galleries, located at Roman street level, trace the lives of individuals who have shaped London from its Roman origins through pivotal events such as the Blitz and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Notable items include Tom Daley’s diving trunks from the 2012 Olympics, Queen Victoria’s mourning dress, and Charles Dickens’ chair.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the significance of the museum’s opening, describing it as a milestone for London and the global cultural community. The project represents one of the largest cultural investments in the city’s history and is anticipated to draw millions of visitors, reinforcing London’s status as a world cultural capital.

Sharon Ament, director of the London Museum, reflected on the challenges and rewards of the project, underscoring its collaborative and creative nature. She noted that the museum’s design aims to mirror London’s multifaceted character—capturing both its “grit and glitter.” Ament expressed hope that the museum will foster a sense of pride among Londoners and serve as a welcoming space that connects people more deeply to the city’s shared heritage, while inspiring future generations.