Museum of London Docklands

The Museum of London Docklands (formerly known as Museum in Docklands) is a museum on the Isle of Dogs, East London that tells the history of London's River Thames and Docklands. The museum is part of the Museum of London Group which is jointly funded by the City of London Corporation and the Greater London Authority.

The museum opened in 2003 in a group of grade I listed early 19th century Georgian "low" sugar warehouses built in 1802 on the side of West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs, a short walk from the Canary Wharf development.

The nucleus of the collection is the museum and archives of the Port of London Authority. These became part of the port and river collections of the Museum of London in 1976, but largely remained in storage until the new museum was opened.

The museum uses the latest presentational techniques including videos presented by Tony Robinson, known for his involvement with Time Team. There is a large collection of historical artefacts, models, and pictures. It is a substantial museum with 12 galleries and a children's gallery (Mudlarks), arranged over two of its floors. Visitors are directed through the displays in chronological order. The periods covered range from the first port of London in Roman times to the closure of the central London docks in the 1970s and the subsequent transformation of the area with new commercial and residential developments.

Museum of London Docklands includes a lecture theatre and meeting rooms and there are often talks and events connected with the docks. Several dock workers who worked on the docks in the sixties take part in these events, including one from the Pentonville Five. There is also a reading room and the Sainsburys Study Centre where the public are welcome to consult the archives; a restaurant and shop.

Admission is £5 for adults or £3 concs (over 60s, unwaged) and the ticket lasts for one year from the date of issue. Free entry for under 16s, NUS and disabled carers.

with the museum in the background.]]


Floor Directory

floor 3 floor 2 floor 1
Access from floor 2 only
Ground floor Basement floor
Wilberforce Theatre
Quayside Room Function Suite
Thames Highway AD 43-1600
Trade Expansion 1600-1800
Legal Quay 1790s
London Sugar & Slavery 1600 onwards
City and River 1800-1840
Sailortown 1840-1850
First Port of Empire 1840-1880
Warehouse of the World 1880-1939
Docklands at War 1938-1945
New Port, New City 1945 onwards
Thames Gallery 1930-1940
Sainsbury Study Centre
Entrance
Mudlarks For the Under 12s
Special Exhibitions
1802 Café
1802 Bar Lounge & Dining
Schools and Coach Parties Entrance
Lee Boo Room Refectory and Weekend Picnic Room
Jack Petchey Classroom
Lansbury Classroom
Pocahontas Classroom

Museum recommends visitors to start their visit from floor 3

See also

  • Museum of London
  • Museum of London Archaeology
  • Island History Trust

References

External links

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Lauren Keith
26 July 2015
Wonderful free museum that covers Roman London to the controversial Canary Wharf. Spend at least half a day here. Don't miss Old London Bridge and Victorian Wapping. http://bit.ly/2zDtICl
María
28 September 2017
Fantastic place for families, from the baby friendly facilities to the soft play area. The selection of cakes is worth to mention: gluten free and sugar-laden for those with a sweet tooth like me!
Finding Our Feet Blog
23 February 2016
Great educational kids' area including free soft play with some age specific times (check/book online). Small cafe with highchairs and buggy park. 1min walk to West India Quay DLR station with a lift.
dyvroeth
1 September 2018
This place is a gem. Tucked away in NW corner of Docklands complex, it traces the history of the docks, trade and the people. Busy on-site café but connected to a bar which also serves food.
Denis B
30 December 2017
Hidden gem of London museums. Packed with expositions and interesting information for children and adults. Free entrance, workshops for children and talks for everyone.
Ana López de Silanes
25 August 2016
Fun to go with kids. Self Paced and explanatory. Good walk to spend a couple of hours in London. The recreations of the old villages are amazing
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Map
14 Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AF, UK Get directions
Mon-Sun 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

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