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London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE: Rediscovering Ancient Londinium

Explore the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s HQ, blending archaeology, immersive art, and history in the heart of London.

4.5

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE is a unique cultural and archaeological site in the heart of London, showcasing the reconstructed Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s European headquarters. Visitors explore immersive light and sound experiences, remarkable Roman artefacts, and contemporary art inspired by the site’s history. This atmospheric underground museum reveals Londinium’s ancient past with interactive displays and multi-sensory presentations.

A brief summary to London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

  • 12 Walbrook, London, EC4N 8AA, GB
  • +442073307500
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your free timed ticket online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during weekends and special events.
  • Allow 45 minutes to experience the immersive temple presentation, artefact displays, and contemporary art installations.
  • Visit on weekday afternoons for a quieter, more intimate experience.
  • Ask the friendly staff for educational booklets and additional insights about the Roman artefacts and Mithraic cult.
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Getting There

  • Underground Rail

    Take the London Underground to Bank or Mansion House stations, both approximately 10-15 minutes walk from the Mithraeum. Stations are well-served by multiple lines including Central, Northern, and District. Expect a 30-50 minute journey from central London areas. No parking available nearby; public transport is recommended.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes serve the area around Walbrook and Queen Victoria Street, including routes 11, 15, 17, and 26. Bus travel times vary from 40 to 70 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. Buses are frequent but can be affected by congestion during peak hours.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in the City of London, the Mithraeum is accessible on foot within 15-25 minutes from landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Bank of England. The walk involves paved urban terrain and is suitable for most visitors, including those with moderate mobility.

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE location weather suitability

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Discover more about London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

A Hidden Roman Sanctuary Beneath Modern London

Beneath the bustling streets of the City of London lies the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, an extraordinary archaeological and cultural venue that brings to life the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras. Originally built around AD 240, this temple was discovered in 1954 during excavations on a bomb site and has since become one of London's most significant Roman archaeological finds. The temple’s remains have been carefully reconstructed and returned to their original location, seven metres below street level, beneath Bloomberg’s sleek European headquarters.

Immersive Experiences and Archaeological Treasures

Visitors descend into a dimly lit, atmospheric space where the temple’s footprint and ruins are presented with a sophisticated blend of lighting, fog effects, and soundscapes. This immersive experience recreates the rituals and ambience of the Mithraic cult, enveloping visitors in Latin chanting, bells, and mystical sounds that evoke the temple’s ancient ceremonies. Suspended walkways allow exploration around the temple’s perimeter, while a striking illuminated depiction of Mithras slaying the bull dominates the apse.

Remarkable Roman Artefacts and Contemporary Art

The site also features a remarkable collection of over 600 Roman artefacts discovered during the Bloomberg construction excavations. These include leather shoes, pottery shards, and wax tablets—the earliest known handwritten documents in the UK dating back to 57 CE—that offer insight into the daily life and commerce of Roman Londinium. The artefacts are displayed in a striking, fabric-covered polyurethane mosaic case designed to evoke Renaissance stone facades. Above the temple, contemporary art installations respond to the site’s history, inviting reflection on ancient rituals and cultural continuity.

The Architectural and Cultural Context

The London Mithraeum is situated on the site of Bloomberg’s modern European headquarters, designed by Foster + Partners, blending cutting-edge architecture with ancient heritage. The site lies along the course of the lost Walbrook River, which once marked the boundary of early Londinium. The temple’s presence here is a testament to the city’s long history as a crossroads of culture and commerce, linking Roman traditions with London’s present-day identity as a global financial hub.

Visitor Engagement and Accessibility

The museum offers a multi-level experience with interactive digital kiosks, tactile resin casts of key artefacts, and informative displays that illuminate the cult of Mithras and Roman London life. The immersive presentation runs every 20 minutes, lasting around 6 minutes, with additional time to explore the temple and artefacts. The venue is fully accessible, family-friendly, and free to enter, though booking a timed ticket in advance is recommended to secure entry during busy periods.

Preserving History for Future Generations

This project, funded and created by Bloomberg in partnership with the City of London and Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing London’s archaeological heritage. The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE not only reveals a hidden chapter of the city’s past but also creates a dialogue between ancient history and contemporary culture, ensuring that the legacy of Roman Londinium continues to inspire and educate visitors for years to come.

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