Cuming Museum

The Cuming Museum is a local museum in Southwark that houses collections of natural history, archaeology, and ethnology. The holdings were gathered by Richard Cuming and his son Henry Syer Cuming during the 1800s and include geological specimens and objects from different parts of the world.

Richard Cuming began collecting fossils and coins as a young child. The collection expanded significantly over time through important acquisitions, including objects from major museum sales.

The museum displays everyday objects and scientific instruments that show how people lived and worked in Southwark over the centuries. These items reflect the local community's interests and needs throughout different periods.

The museum is located near Elephant & Castle station and is straightforward to reach. The collections are now housed at the Southwark Heritage Centre following a fire that damaged the original home.

The collection grew from a personal passion in childhood to hold more than 100,000 objects from around the world. This impressive growth was driven by a family's dedication passed down through generations.

Location: London Borough of Southwark

Inception: 1906

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Address: Old Walworth Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, London SE17 1RS

Opening Hours: closed

Website: https://southwark.gov.uk/events-culture-and-heritage/explore-culture-in-southwark/heritage-and-local-history/cuming-museum

GPS coordinates: 51.49080,-0.09716

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45