London’s history is moving into one of its most recognizable old market buildings. On November 28, 2026, the renamed London Museum opens at Smithfield after a decade of restoration and redevelopment.
The move returns a long-closed public site to city life and gives the former Museum of London a fresh home. It will be the world’s largest city museum, with a more social setting for the capital’s stories.
What to Expect From the New London Museum at Smithfield
First, the museum will occupy the restored 1883 General Market, designed by Sir Horace Jones. Its permanent galleries span 10,000 years of London history and draw on a collection of more than 7 million objects.
Visitors will see Banksy’s Piranhas, a piece of the Whitechapel fatberg, Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger strike medal, King Charles I’s execution vest, and the UK’s oldest handwritten manuscript. Around 100,000 people helped shape the project.
The restored trading floor and its dome will anchor a social space with a restaurant, shop, and show area. Dinner clubs, storytelling sessions, and club events will create a day-to-night program.
Friday and Saturday DJ sessions give local residents another reason to visit after work or after dark.
Why Smithfield Market Is the Right New Home
Smithfield sits in the City of London, close to Farringdon and City Thameslink. The historic market buildings had been out of public use for more than 30 years.
This £437 million, 10-year project restores their architectural character while bringing the site back as a major public attraction. The museum’s galleries will give these Victorian halls a purpose beyond their former market trade.
The Redevelopment Continues With a Second Phase in 2028
The adjacent 1960s Poultry Market will follow in 2028. It will add a learning center, temporary exhibition galleries, and collection storage, completing the museum campus in stages.
Planning a Visit to the London Museum Opening
Plan for November 28, 2026, at Smithfield, London EC1A 9PS. General admission to the permanent galleries is free, although special exhibitions may charge a fee.
Farringdon and City Thameslink are nearby, while bus routes 17 and 25 also stop close by. London Museum Docklands remains open during the transition.
Final Thoughts
As it reaches its 50th anniversary, the London Museum gains a home with history of its own. Smithfield’s restored market halls pair free public access with millions of London stories.
The November opening gives visitors a new way to experience the capital’s past, within buildings that have shaped the area for generations.
