The Museum of the Home is a museum that tells the story of home life and people’s everyday experiences from 1600 to the present.
Formerly the Geffrye Museum, it is based in a Grade I listed building, which was originally built as a country house in 1696.
The museum has a collection of over 100,000 objects, including furniture, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and toys, showing how living spaces and domestic interiors have evolved over time to present day.
It also has a library and archive with over 200,000 books, documents, and photographs, showing everything to do with domestic life and how everyday people lived.
What is there to See and Do at Museum of the Home?
The Museum of the Home is a great place to learn about the history of home life.
There are also interactive exhibits that allow you to experience what life was like in different eras.
Some of the highlights of the museum include:
The Great Hall
This is the largest room in the museum and it is where you will find the biggest furniture pieces and paintings.
The Long Gallery
This gallery is 80 feet long and it has a collection of portraits from different periods.
The Georgian Room
This room is decorated in the style of the Georgian period. It has a fireplace, a four-poster bed, and a grand piano.
The Victorian Kitchen
This kitchen is set up to look like a typical Victorian kitchen. It has a coal stove, a sink, and a table with chairs.
The Edwardian Nursery
This nursery is decorated in the style of the Edwardian period. It has a crib, a rocking chair, and a toy chest.
Tudor Knot Garden
This is a intricate garden composed of low hedges forming geometric shapes. The Tudor Knot Garden is a popular feature at the Museum of the Home and can be seen in many of its old photographs.
Herb Garden
This part of the museum is designed to showcase how herbs were used in home remedies and in cooking throughout history. The Herb Garden features a variety of different herbs, all of which have their own uses and benefits.
Museum of the Home Ticket Prices
The museum is free to enter for visitors of all ages.
You are able to explore the home galleries from Tuesday to Sunday and from 10am to 5pm.
Museum of the Home Location
The Museum of the Home is located in Hackney, East London.
It’s a very short walking distance from the Hoxton train station.
It’s also around a 5-10 minute walk from Shoreditch.
Museum of the Home Photos
FAQ
Is the Museum of the Home free?
The museum is free to enter.
What did Museum of the Home used to be called?
The museum used to be called the Geffrye Museum.
Why did Geffrye Museum change its name?
The museum changed its name to reflect its purpose better of the home theme. It was originally named after Sir Robert Geffrye who paid for the former almshouses to be built.
How old is the Museum of the Home?
The museum has been open since 1914, making it 108 years old.
Does the museum have a gift shop?
Yes the museum has a gift shop, which sells books, craft items and homeware.
