Venue Description

We are the Horniman Museum and Gardens, an inspiring, surprising, family-friendly, free attraction in South London’s Forest Hill. We’ve been open since Victorian times, when Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to visitors. Since then, our collection has grown tenfold and includes internationally important collections of Anthropology and Musical Instruments, as well as an acclaimed Aquarium, a Butterfly House and Natural History collection. The Horniman connects us all with global cultures and the natural environment, encouraging us to shape a positive future for the world we all share. Today, the Horniman is London’s only museum where environment, ecology and human cultures can be seen side by side at a global scale. Unusually for such an important Museum, you can see our collection up-close and face-to-face. You can even pick up, try on and play with some of our objects.

Accessibility

The Museum and Gardens are accessible for disabled visitors. Find lots of information here to help you plan your visit and answer any questions you may have: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/access/ We have also created films that show the Horniman on a typical day, in terms of visitors, lighting and noise levels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVLBYq1ay8T61ySxW8RZGoW56W718GDUW

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/access/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/access/

Accessible Performances

We have relaxed openings for our main family-friendly exhibition each year. Some are Bright & Early sessions in the morning, and others are Twilight sessions in the evening. There is no charge for these events but they must be booked, for capacity. Please contact communitylearning@horniman.ac.uk for more information and booking.

Awards List

In 2022, the Horniman was recognised as Art Fund Museum of the Year. Association for Cultural Enterprises Awards 2024. Best Ticketed Event - Under the Sea Soft Play. Museum + Heritage Awards 2024 - Learning Programme of the Year. Secondary School Programme. London in Bloom 2023 - Gold and category winner – Heritage Parks and Gardens. Silver Gilt award – Environment Challenge.

Toilets

Toilets are located off Gallery Square downstairs, which are also wheelchair accessible. Baby changing facilities are available in these toilets. There are also toilet facilities in the Gardens, near the Bandstand, which includes an accessible toilet. The toilets by the Café are open to Café visitors and are not accessible from the Museum entrance area. There is an accessible toilet in the Cafe.

Staff

You can identify any of our Visitor Host team by their black outfits and yellow lanyards. They will greet you on arrival to the Museum. Staff have training in dementia awareness, first aid and mental health first aid.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Dogs are allowed in our Gardens, but must be kept on leads. Dogs can be released from their leads in the Meadow Field - the large green space below the Bandstand. Dogs must be kept on leads during events in the Gardens (concerts, performances, etc.) including the Horniman Market on Sundays. Assistance dogs and animals are welcome in the Museum.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls for dogs can be found in the Cafe and are available on request from the Ticket Desk.