Tucked away in London’s nooks and corners are a vast variety of quirky and fascinating museums
With over an estimated 250 museums, London is perhaps the city with the largest number of museums in the world. Among them are such beacons as the British Museum, the Museum of National History, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Tate Britain and Tate Modern. But as much as the big-ticket museums draw in crowds, there are several quirky and niche ones that make the visit much more interesting. They span a whole gamut of topics and interests, something for every kind of soul. Here’s a list of some the more interesting ones catering to a wide spectrum.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
A destination for fans of the eccentric detective, it is made even more enticing by Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal. While the museum is not that large, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in interest. Endearingly enough, it is located on Baker Street and has been set up as the apartment that Holmes shared with friend and confidant Dr Watson. Inside, it is like stepping back into Victorian times and on display are waxwork statues of characters from some of the more famous stories of Sherlock Holmes. The in house shop has an eclectic and vast array of quirky objects, souvenirs and collectibles.
Cartoon Museum
To bring out the inner child in you, the Cartoon Museum is the place to visit. It is London’s first cartoon museum and has been set up to display the best British cartoons, comics, caricatures as well as animation. Fan can also dig up history and other information in the reference library. It also holds regular exhibitions and events. For children, the museum holds fun, interactive activities.
Royal Academy of Music Museum
For music lovers, there cannot be a better destination than this. The academy itself is considered to be something of an institution for music enthusiasts, especially of classical music since it is the oldest such in Britain. On display at the museum are numerous instruments of all kinds, documents, images and musical relics, which point to the creativity and craftsmanship down the ages. In additional to the permanent exhibitions, the museum has several changing exhibitions during the year as well as lectures and recitals.
Postal Museum London
A rather unusual one, the Postal Museum is dedicated to the country’s postal service and is split into two locations. In addition to containing information about the history and evolution of the postal service, the museum has a plethora of exhibits. Of particular interest is the large collection of stamps down the ages, as well as the iconic post boxes, telephone boxes and vehicles used to deliver mail.
London Transport Museum
Every automobile junkie’s dream come true, the London Transport Museum explores the link between transport and story of London’s growth itself into a modern city from as far back as 1800. Among the highlights of the museum are London’s Red Bus, the first underground steam train and a carriage going back to the late 19th century. Not just travel enthusiasts but design aficionados will also find the gallery a fascinating place since it contains the earliest posters and artworks, the original artwork for the London Underground map and the story of how the famous roundel logo came about. What makes the museum irresistible are the interactive galleries, buses and trains into which visitors can step into, and simulators that provide an authentic driving experience. The gift shop has an array of souvenirs that make for the perfect takeaway.
Toy Museum
Housed in two adjoining houses going back to the 18th and 19th centuries connected by winding staircases, the Toy Museum is every child’s dream come true. The building itself has been designed to evoke the magic and nostalgia of childhood. Housed inside are toys of all shapes, sizes and kinds. There are a plethora of dolls and doll houses, toy theatres, tin toys, folk toys collected from all over the world, teddy bears, board games, mechanical toys, wax and china dolls, nursery furniture and so much more. Not just children, but adults are also bound to have a grand time here.
Sewing Machine Museum of London
Though open just one day a month – on the first Saturday of every month – the London Sewing Machine Museum is a fascinating place, especially for those passionate about sewing, stitching and creativity. On display are over 600 antique sewing machines, which go back to 1850 all the way to 1950. Through the exhibits, the museums attempts to trace the history of sewing and includes such rare artefacts as the unique machine bought by Queen Victoria for her daughter and the first ever Singer machine produced.