Horniman Museum and Gardens

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is an independent museum in Forest Hill, London Borough of Lewisham, housing 350,000 objects from natural history, musical instruments, and anthropology. The collections sit within an Art Nouveau building with decorated halls and an attached aquarium.

Frederick John Horniman founded this museum in 1901 to make his collection gathered during international tea trade publicly accessible. The building later received Grade II* listed status due to its architectural importance.

The extensive collection of musical instruments features objects from all continents, allowing visitors to discover sound traditions from many cultures. The building itself carries typical Art Nouveau elements that give the exhibition visit a distinctive visual frame.

The main collections are accessible without admission, while the aquarium requires a separate entry. The nearest train station is Forest Hill, from which the grounds are a few minutes' walk.

A walrus in the collection is considered the largest taxidermy specimen of its kind in England and clearly shows Victorian taxidermists' uncertainty about the animal's natural form. This oversized body came about because the craftsmen had never seen a living walrus.

Location: London Borough of Lewisham

Inception: 1901

Founders: Frederick John Horniman

Architects: Charles Harrison Townsend

Official opening: 1901

Architectural style: Art Nouveau architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: No

Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ

Opening Hours: 10:0-17:30

Phone: +442086991872

Website: https://horniman.ac.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.44056,-0.06083

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:05