Museum of London announces plan to relocate to Smithfield General Market

31 Mar 2015 News

The Museum of London has revealed plans to relocate to Smithfield General Market from its current home on London Wall by 2021, after the number of visitors doubled in recent years.

Museum of London at London Wall. Credit: Infernalfox

The Museum of London has revealed plans to relocate to Smithfield General Market from its current home on London Wall by 2021, after the number of visitors doubled in recent years.

Sharon Arment, the museum’s director, made the announcement last week at its annual fundraising dinner. She said that the museum does not currently have the space to present its collections properly, or demonstrate the research behind them. She said that in the last few months, at the request of the Corporation of the City of London, the museum has undertaken a detailed expert analysis of various options for the long-term future.

Arment told those attending the dinner that the museum’s visitor numbers have doubled in recent years and continue to grow, and its schools programme is at capacity. The Museum had an income of £20m at the end of its March 2014 year-end.

She said: “If we are to continue to excite and engage visitors and become more sustainable by standing more firmly on our own two feet, we need to ensure our building and galleries are up to the challenge and match the best that London has to offer.”

Arment went on to say: “With approval of our governors, the next phase will see us consider in detail the logistics and viability of relocating from London Wall to Smithfield General Market with the aim of creating an unrivalled experience and contributing to the regeneration of a vibrant and historic part of London.

“This would enable us to welcome over two million people each year, work with even more schools and display more of the London Collection.”

She clarified that there are many issues still to be resolved before opening a new museum, including a proper negotiation for the price of the site, as well as a number of other issues which will need to be met.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London said: “The Museum of London tells the incredible story of this great city through its unique and exceptional collection.

"In its new home at Smithfield General Market the Museum of London will be able to unleash its full potential to attract millions of people each year and work with even more schoolchildren.”

For more information on the plans, and to share views on the proposed relocation, click here.

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