London Museum facts for kids
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The London Museum was a special place created to tell the story of London, England. It first opened its doors on March 21, 1912. King George V officially opened it, joined by Queen Mary and other royal family members. The museum was first located in a temporary spot at Kensington Palace. When it opened to the public on April 8, over 13,000 people visited on the very first day!
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Moving Homes: The Museum's Journey
The museum's collections moved a few times during its history.
From Palace to Grand House
Just two years after it opened, the museum's items were moved to Lancaster House. This grand building is located in St James's, a famous area of London. The museum stayed there for many years, right up until World War II began.
Leaders of the Museum
The first person in charge of the museum was Sir Guy Francis Laking. He was called the "Keeper" of the museum. Later, from 1926 to 1944, a famous archaeologist named Mortimer Wheeler took over as Keeper.
Hiding During Wartime
During World War II, many valuable items from the museum had to be moved to safety. They were stored deep underground in nearby Dover Street tube station and later at Piccadilly Circus tube station. This was to protect them from bombs.
Some parts of Lancaster House did reopen to visitors in 1942. However, in November 1943, the building was needed for a different purpose. The Ministry of Works, a government department, took over Lancaster House. They used it as a meeting place for important discussions about Europe. The museum was only allowed to keep the basement for storing its collections.
Returning to Kensington Palace
After World War II ended, the museum tried to get Lancaster House back, but it didn't happen. Finally, in 1948, King George VI agreed that the museum could return to Kensington Palace. This time, it occupied the lower two floors. The museum reopened its doors there in July 1951.
Becoming the Museum of London
In 1975, the London Museum joined forces with another museum called the Guildhall Museum. The Guildhall Museum belonged to the City of London. Together, they formed a brand new museum called the Museum of London. This new, bigger museum opened to the public in a new building in the City of London in 1976. It continues to tell the amazing story of London to this day.
