Foundling Museum Tours

Open since 2004, the Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital: an 18th-century children’s home—the first such institution in Britain—established by philanthropist Thomas Coram. In addition to hospital-related artifacts, the museum also showcases works by artists the likes of Hogarth and Gainsborough.
The Basics
The first children’s charity in the UK when it was established in 1739, the Foundling Hospital cared and provided for unwanted and disadvantaged children. Though the Foundling Museum does not occupy the original hospital, which was eventually torn down, its current building dates to the 1930s and was built in a historical style, complete with lavish, rococo interiors. Today, the museum tells the story of the hospital; thanks in part to the many artists of the era who helped support it, it also possesses an impressive collection of paintings and other works. The institution is still closely associated with George Frideric Handel, who hosted charity performances for its benefit, and displays items related to the composer.
The Foundling Museum is included in the London Pass program and is an easy stop to add to an independent London cultural itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Foundling Museum is located on Brunswick Square in Bloomsbury. To access the museum by Tube, take the Piccadilly line to Russell Square; the King’s Cross transit hub is also located within walking distance. Alternatively, use bus line 7, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, or 188. The museum can also be reached on foot, by bike, and by taxi.
When to Get There
The Foundling Museum is open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday. As the museum hosts an array of temporary exhibitions, as well as talks, performances, and other special events, it’s worth planning repeat visits.
Nearby Museums
If you wish to plan a full cultural day out, several of London’s other petite, personality-packed museums are located just minutes away, including the Charles Dickens Museum and the Postal Museum.
The Basics
The first children’s charity in the UK when it was established in 1739, the Foundling Hospital cared and provided for unwanted and disadvantaged children. Though the Foundling Museum does not occupy the original hospital, which was eventually torn down, its current building dates to the 1930s and was built in a historical style, complete with lavish, rococo interiors. Today, the museum tells the story of the hospital; thanks in part to the many artists of the era who helped support it, it also possesses an impressive collection of paintings and other works. The institution is still closely associated with George Frideric Handel, who hosted charity performances for its benefit, and displays items related to the composer.
The Foundling Museum is included in the London Pass program and is an easy stop to add to an independent London cultural itinerary.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While the Foundling Museum does not have a café on-site, it has deals with two nearby eateries: Leon (a fast-casual restaurant) and The Lamb (a storied Bloomsbury pub).
- The Foundling Museum is equipped with ramps, elevators, accessible bathrooms, and facilities for guide dogs.
- Disabled visitors are entitled to discounted admission rates, and carers are able to visit for free.
- A cloakroom, baby-changing facilities, and gift shop are all hosted on-site.
How to Get There
The Foundling Museum is located on Brunswick Square in Bloomsbury. To access the museum by Tube, take the Piccadilly line to Russell Square; the King’s Cross transit hub is also located within walking distance. Alternatively, use bus line 7, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, or 188. The museum can also be reached on foot, by bike, and by taxi.
When to Get There
The Foundling Museum is open 10am–5pm Tuesday–Saturday and 11am–5pm on Sunday. As the museum hosts an array of temporary exhibitions, as well as talks, performances, and other special events, it’s worth planning repeat visits.
Nearby Museums
If you wish to plan a full cultural day out, several of London’s other petite, personality-packed museums are located just minutes away, including the Charles Dickens Museum and the Postal Museum.
Address: 40 Brunswick Square, London, United Kingdom WC1N 1AZ, England
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Foundling Museum
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London Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Access to Over 80 Attractions
Discover London’s top sights for one low price with the London Pass®. Choose from a 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 10-day sightseeing credits package, and enjoy access to your London Pass straight from your mobile. Simply show it at the gate or ticket office to gain entrance to more than 80 attractions including Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the "View from the Shard." You also benefit from skip-the-line access at some of the city's top attractions like the London Zoo. Your pass also includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Thames River cruise, a free guidebook packed with useful information, and valuable shopping and dining discounts.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 30 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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Bloomsbury's Contribution to Health Care History Walking Audio Tour by Voice Map
Enjoy the freedom to explore Bloomsbury at your own pace and stop and start whenever you like with this app-based tour. Your private party of friends and family will follow along with the tour, which outlines the history of healthcare in Bloomsbury, based around the Foundling Hospital, a fantastic example of period architecture. The narration is by Nick Black, a leading healthcare expert; those interested in the history and health of the nation will love this tour.
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Medical London:Sick City, Alcohol, Anti-masturbation devices
London’s long history features some of the most important people, moments and discoveries in medicine. Once known to be a dirty, unsanitary city, discover London’s role in the transformation of medical trades into the modern professions we all recognize today. See the places where old-time Londoners sought various, today-questionable treatments for their maladies, and learn about some of the most-celebrated people in medicine.
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