Background

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Discover the ancient Roman Temple of Mithras beneath Bloomberg’s headquarters in a captivating blend of archaeology, immersive art, and history in London’s heart.

4.5

Located beneath Bloomberg's European headquarters at 12 Walbrook, London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE is a unique cultural site showcasing the reconstructed Roman Temple of Mithras along with over 600 remarkable Roman artifacts uncovered during recent excavations. This immersive museum offers a multi-sensory experience that brings to life the mysterious cult of Mithras, combining ancient history with contemporary art installations in a compact, thoughtfully designed space.

A brief summary to London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

  • 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 and avoid disappointment, especially during weekends or special events.
  • Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to fully explore the museum, including the immersive temple experience and artifact displays.
  • Visit on weekday afternoons for fewer crowds and a more intimate atmosphere.
  • Ask the friendly staff for free educational booklets and insights to enhance your understanding of the Mithraic cult and Roman London.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Bank of England Museum for a rich historical day out.
widget icon

Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the Central Line to Bank station or the District and Circle Lines to Mansion House station, both approximately 10-15 minutes walk from 12 Walbrook. Stations are well-served and accessible, with frequent trains running throughout the day. A single journey costs around £2.50–£5.00 depending on payment method.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes serve the nearby area, including routes 11, 15, 17, and 26, connecting from various London locations. Bus stops are within a 5-10 minute walk. Single fares cost £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.

  • Walking

    If you are already in central London, walking to the Mithraeum from landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral or the Bank of England Museum takes about 10-20 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible and suitable for most visitors.

London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Low-Visibility Conditions

Unlock the Best of London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

An Ancient Sanctuary Unearthed Beneath Modern London

The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE sits seven meters below street level in the heart of the City of London, precisely where the Roman Temple of Mithras was discovered in 1954. Originally constructed around AD 240, the temple was a secretive place of worship for the Mithraic cult, a mystery-shrouded religion practiced by Roman soldiers and merchants. The site was uncovered during post-war excavations and captivated the public imagination, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the exposed ruins. Today, the temple has been carefully reconstructed and preserved within Bloomberg’s modern European headquarters, blending ancient heritage with contemporary architecture.

Immersive Experiences and Archaeological Treasures

Visitors enter a compact, multi-level museum that artfully combines archaeological displays with cutting-edge immersive technology. The ground floor features an extensive collection of over 600 Roman artifacts found on-site, including coins, pottery, brooches, and amulets, offering a glimpse into daily life in Roman Londinium. Interactive digital kiosks and translucent resin casts allow tactile and visual engagement with key objects. Descending deeper, guests enter a dimly lit chamber where the temple’s foundations are illuminated by ethereal walls of light and theatrical haze. This innovative installation recreates the temple’s original structure and atmosphere, accompanied by evocative sounds of chanting, footsteps, water, and fire. The six-minute immersive show runs every 20 minutes, inviting visitors to experience the enigmatic rituals of the Mithraic cult in a hauntingly atmospheric setting.

Contemporary Art Meets Ancient Rituals

Alongside the archaeological displays, Bloomberg SPACE hosts contemporary art commissions inspired by the temple’s history and mythology. These rotating exhibitions explore themes of myth, ritual, and spirituality, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present. Notably, installations such as "Born From Stone" evoke the subterranean landscape of the temple’s origins, while other works invite visitors, including families and children, to engage creatively with the site’s cultural legacy.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The museum is housed within a striking 21st-century building designed by Foster + Partners, which seamlessly integrates modern design with the preservation of a Grade I archaeological site. The London Mithraeum is a rare example of an ancient temple rediscovered and reimagined within a bustling financial district, offering a tangible connection to London’s Roman past amidst its contemporary urban fabric.

Visitor Experience and Practical Details

Though the space is relatively small, it is meticulously organized over two floors, ensuring a comfortable and intimate visit. The museum is free to enter, but booking a timed ticket in advance is recommended to secure access to the popular immersive experience. The site is suitable for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone intrigued by archaeology and ancient religions. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, providing additional learning materials and insights.

Preserving a Mysterious Legacy

The cult of Mithras remains enigmatic, with much about its rituals and followers still debated by scholars. The London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE invites visitors to step back in time and explore this shadowy chapter of Roman London through a blend of archaeology, art, and technology, preserving a unique spiritual heritage beneath the modern city streets.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Popular Hotels near London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE

Select Currency