metropolitan life: THE shortlist TEN UNUSUAL MUSEUMS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IN LONDON ...
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, 9a St Thomas's Street, London SE1 9RY (0171-955 4791). Not for the squeamish. Tues-Sun 10am-4pm. Admission pounds 2 adults, pounds 1 children.
Sir John Soane's Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP (0171- 405 2107 / 0171-430 0175). Soane's use of colour and mirrors has inspired a generation of interior designers. Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. Free.
MCC Museum, Lord's Cricket Ground, London NW8 8QN (0171-266 3825). Open to ticket-holders on match days, 10am-5pm, or to the public at tour times. pounds 4.95 adults, pounds 3.95 concessions.
Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA (0181-980 4315/3204 / 0181-980 2415). Childhood memorabilia. Mon-Thurs & Sat 10am-5.50pm, Sun 2.30pm-5.50pm. Free.
Kew Gardens Gallery, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AB (0181 332 5618). Flower paintings (some for sale). Open daily, 9.30am-5.30pm. pounds 4 adults, pounds 2 concessions.
American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD (01225 460503, 01225 463538). American decorative arts (left). Open Tues-Sun 2pm-5pm (and on Mondays in August). Admission pounds 5 adults, pounds 2.50 children.
Potter's Museum of Curiosity, Jamaica Inn Courtyard, Bolventor, nr Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7TS (01566 86838). A macabre collection of taxidermy including mummified squirrels (below). Open daily 10am-8pm; pounds 1.95 adults, pounds 1.50 concessions.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AA (01202 551009). An example of the Victorian mania for collecting. Open daily except Monday, 10am-5pm. Free.
Cadbury World, Linden Road, Bournville, Birmingham (recorded information 0121 451 4180). The history of chocolate sweetened with plenty of free samples. Open daily, 10am-5.30pm. Admission pounds 4.90 adults, pounds 3.35 children.
Cumberland Pencil Museum, Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria CA12 5NG (01768 773626). Everything you ever (or never) wanted to know about pencils. Daily 9.30am-4pm; pounds 2 adults.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments