Introduction
The Museum of the Home, formerly known as the Geffrye Museum, is a unique institution in the heart of London‘s Shoreditch neighborhood that offers visitors a fascinating journey through the history of British domestic life. Housed in a row of restored 18th-century almshouses, the museum showcases the changing styles, tastes, and technologies that have shaped homes and gardens from the 1600s to the present day.
Through its immersive period room displays, beautifully recreated gardens, and engaging educational programs, the Museum of the Home provides a one-of-a-kind window into the everyday lives of people from all walks of life over the past four centuries. Whether you‘re a history enthusiast, a design aficionado, or simply curious about how our ancestors lived, this museum is a must-visit destination that offers both insights and inspiration.
The Almshouses: A Brief History
The Museum of the Home is located in a row of 14 almshouses that were originally built in 1714 to provide housing for poor pensioners of the Ironmongers‘ Company, one of London‘s ancient livery companies. The almshouses were funded by Sir Robert Geffrye (1613-1704), a wealthy merchant and former Lord Mayor of London who left a bequest of £10,000 in his will for their construction and maintenance.
Geffrye himself had no direct connection to the museum or its collections, as he died a decade before the almshouses were completed. However, his legacy lives on in the building that bears his name and in the countless visitors who have passed through its doors over the past three centuries.
In 1911, the almshouses were sold to the London County Council, which had plans to demolish them and build a new library on the site. However, a group of local residents and historians campaigned to save the buildings and convert them into a museum that would showcase the history of furniture-making and woodworking in the East End.
The Geffrye Museum opened its doors to the public in 1914, with a focus on collecting and displaying furniture and decorative arts from the 16th century onwards. Over time, the museum‘s mission evolved to encompass the broader history of domestic life and interior design, with a particular emphasis on the homes and experiences of ordinary people.
In 2019, the museum underwent a major redevelopment project that saw the addition of new galleries, learning spaces, and visitor amenities, as well as a refreshed brand identity and name change to the Museum of the Home. Today, the museum continues to grow and evolve, offering a rich and diverse range of exhibitions, programs, and resources for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Exploring the Galleries: A Journey Through Time
At the heart of the Museum of the Home are its 11 period room displays, each one meticulously researched and recreated to represent a different era in British domestic history. These immersive exhibits transport visitors back in time, offering a tangible sense of what life was like for people of various classes and backgrounds over the past 400 years.
The journey begins in the 17th century, with a dark and atmospheric room that reflects the austerity and religious piety of the early modern period. Heavy oak furniture, leaded windows, and a large fireplace dominate the space, while everyday objects like cooking pots and candle holders hint at the practical realities of life in a time before electricity and running water.
As visitors move through the subsequent rooms, they can witness firsthand the dramatic changes that took place in British society and culture over the following centuries. The elegant proportions and refined furnishings of the Georgian era give way to the cluttered, eclectic interiors of the Victorian period, with its fascination for global exploration, industrial innovation, and domestic comfort.
The 20th century galleries showcase the radical transformations in design and technology that shaped the modern home, from the sleek lines and bold colors of the Art Deco movement to the space-age materials and open-plan living of the post-war era. Interactive displays and audio guides provide additional context and insight into the social and historical forces that influenced these changes, from the women‘s suffrage movement to the rise of consumer culture.
One of the most striking features of the period rooms is the attention to detail that has gone into their creation. Each object on display, from the paintings on the walls to the books on the shelves, has been carefully chosen to reflect the tastes, values, and aspirations of the time period and the type of person who might have lived in the space.
For example, in the Victorian parlor, visitors can examine a table set for afternoon tea, complete with delicate china cups and saucers, silver spoons, and a tiered cake stand laden with scones and sandwiches. This seemingly innocuous display speaks volumes about the rigid social norms and expectations of the era, particularly for middle- and upper-class women, whose lives revolved around the domestic sphere and the ritual of entertaining guests.
Similarly, in the 1960s living room, visitors can marvel at the explosion of color and pattern that characterizes the decade, from the psychedelic poster art on the walls to the bold geometric prints on the sofa and curtains. This room also features a vintage television set and record player, hinting at the growing influence of popular culture and mass media on family life and leisure time.
The Gardens: A Breath of Fresh Air
In addition to its indoor exhibitions, the Museum of the Home also boasts four stunning period gardens that offer a glimpse into the changing fashions and functionalities of outdoor spaces over the centuries. From the formal knot gardens of the 17th century to the lush cottage gardens of the Victorian era, these green oases provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to connect with nature and history in a unique way.
One of the highlights of the gardens is the walled herb garden, which features over 170 different species of medicinal and culinary plants that would have been common in British households throughout history. Visitors can stroll along the neat gravel paths, inhaling the fragrant scents of lavender, rosemary, and thyme, and learning about the various uses and symbolism of these humble plants.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can also step inside a restored 18th-century almshouse that has been furnished and decorated to reflect the living conditions of the poor pensioners who once called it home. This cramped and dimly lit space offers a stark contrast to the grand and opulent rooms of the main museum, serving as a poignant reminder of the vast inequalities that have long existed in British society.
Education and Outreach: Bringing History to Life
Beyond its exhibitions and displays, the Museum of the Home also plays a vital role in educating and engaging the public about the history of domestic life and its relevance to contemporary issues and concerns. Through a diverse range of educational programs, workshops, and events, the museum seeks to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
For school groups, the museum offers a variety of curriculum-linked workshops and resources that bring history to life in interactive and imaginative ways. Students can participate in hands-on activities like making their own herbal remedies, designing their own wallpaper patterns, or exploring the museum‘s collections through themed trails and treasure hunts.
For adults, the museum hosts regular talks, lectures, and panel discussions that delve deeper into specific aspects of domestic history and its broader social and cultural implications. These events often feature guest speakers from academia, industry, and the arts, providing fresh perspectives and insights on topics ranging from the history of cooking and dining to the future of sustainable housing design.
The museum also collaborates with community groups and partner organizations to develop outreach programs and initiatives that engage underrepresented audiences and address pressing social issues. For example, in recent years, the museum has worked with local schools and charities to create exhibitions and workshops that explore the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in London, highlighting the importance of home and belonging in the face of displacement and adversity.
Conclusion: A Home for History
The Museum of the Home is more than just a collection of old furniture and quaint interiors; it is a living, breathing testament to the enduring power and significance of the domestic sphere in shaping our identities, relationships, and societies. By preserving and interpreting the material culture of home life over the past four centuries, the museum offers a unique and invaluable window into the everyday experiences, struggles, and aspirations of ordinary people throughout British history.
Whether you‘re a lifelong Londoner or a first-time visitor to the city, the Museum of the Home is a must-see destination that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the comforts, challenges, and complexities of the places we call home. So why not take a break from the hectic pace of modern life and step back in time to explore the fascinating world of the Museum of the Home? You never know what secrets and stories you might uncover along the way.
Visitor Information
Location: 136 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London E2 8EA
Getting There:
- Nearest Tube: Hoxton (London Overground)
- Buses: 149, 242, 243, 394
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
- Closed on Mondays and bank holidays
Admission: Free entry for all visitors
Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities, with step-free access, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and large print guides available. Audio guides and sensory packs are also available for visitors with visual or hearing impairments.
Amenities: The museum has a cafe serving light lunches and refreshments, as well as a gift shop selling books, souvenirs, and unique gifts related to the museum‘s collections and themes. There are also picnic areas and baby-changing facilities available.
Tours and Events: The museum offers a range of guided tours, workshops, and special events throughout the year, including family activities, lectures, and themed exhibitions. Check the museum‘s website or social media channels for the latest updates and schedules.
Whether you‘re a history buff, a design enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and enriching day out in London, the Museum of the Home is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the meaning and magic of home.
| Era | Key Features and Themes |
|---|---|
| 1600s | – Dark and austere interiors – Heavy oak furniture – Religious influence |
| 1700s | – Georgian architecture and design – Influence of global trade – Rise of the middle class |
| 1800s | – Victorian clutter and eclecticism – Industrialization and mass production – Changing social norms |
| 1900s | – Modern design movements (Art Deco, Bauhaus, etc.) – Space-age materials and technologies – Open-plan living and indoor-outdoor flow |
| 2000s | – Minimalism and sustainability – Smart home technologies – Flexible and multi-functional spaces |
