Hackney Museum: A Vibrant Chronicle of Community and Culture
Discover Hackney Museum’s rich stories of community, migration, and culture in London’s vibrant borough of Hackney.
Hackney Museum, located at 1 Reading Lane in London, is a community history museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of the London Borough of Hackney. Housing over 8,500 objects, artworks, images, and oral histories, it offers engaging exhibits that explore local identity, migration, and cultural diversity. The museum is free to visit and provides educational programs and interactive displays that bring Hackney’s stories to life.
A brief summary to Hackney Museum
- 1 Reading Ln, London, E8 1GQ, GB
- +442083562509
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-8 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday or Saturday; the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- Take advantage of the free admission to explore extensive exhibits on Hackney’s diverse history.
- Check for updates on reopening dates and special events after the refurbishment scheduled to complete in 2027.
- Engage with the museum’s educational programs and handling collections for a hands-on learning experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
Reach Hackney Museum via London Overground to Hackney Central station, followed by a 4-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Overground to London Fields station and walk about 5 minutes. Frequent services run throughout the day with standard Oyster and contactless fares around £2.50–£3.00.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the area near Hackney Museum, including routes 30, 38, and 55. Bus stops are within a 5-10 minute walk. Regular fares apply, and buses run approximately every 10-15 minutes during the day.
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Walking
If you are nearby, walking to the museum is pleasant and accessible via flat, paved urban streets. Walking times vary but expect around 15-20 minutes from Hackney Central or London Fields stations. The route is suitable for wheelchair users.
Hackney Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hackney Museum
A Living Archive of Hackney’s Diverse Heritage
Hackney Museum serves as the community history museum for the London Borough of Hackney, with a collection exceeding 8,500 items including artworks, photographs, objects, and oral histories. Established in 1986, it inherited collections from various local departments and has since actively expanded to reflect the borough’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity. The museum’s holdings document the lives and histories of Hackney’s residents, focusing on migration, settlement, and everyday experiences over the past 2,000 years.Engaging Exhibitions and Community Partnerships
The museum’s permanent displays narrate the stories of Hackney’s people, from Anglo-Saxon settlers to recent refugees, highlighting under-represented voices through personal stories and community collaborations. Notable projects such as "Mapping the Change" and "Our Museum" have enriched the collection and exhibitions by actively acquiring objects and documenting social changes. The museum also features thematic displays including the Turkish diaspora’s role in the local garment trade and the histories of Chinese and Indian sailors in 18th-century Shoreditch.Educational Programs and Interactive Experiences
Hackney Museum offers a variety of educational initiatives, including a handling collection of replica objects and "suitcase" resources that tell individual migration stories. These resources support school programs and public learning, covering historical periods like the Victorian era, World War II, and the Windrush generation. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make the museum a family-friendly destination that encourages curiosity and connection with local history.Location and Visitor Information
Situated in the Technology & Learning Centre at 1 Reading Lane, the museum is easily accessible and free to enter. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, with extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. The museum closes on Sundays and Mondays. Currently, Hackney Museum is closed for refurbishment and scheduled to reopen in 2027, promising refreshed exhibits and enhanced visitor experiences.Community Significance and Cultural Impact
More than a repository, Hackney Museum functions as a vital platform for dialogue and cultural exchange within the borough. It fosters a safe and inclusive space where local communities can share stories, explore social issues with historical context, and celebrate Hackney’s evolving identity. The museum’s commitment to representing diverse narratives makes it a cornerstone of Hackney’s cultural landscape.Future Vision and Refurbishment
The ongoing refurbishment aims to revitalize the museum’s facilities and exhibitions, ensuring that it continues to serve as a dynamic and accessible cultural hub. Upon reopening, visitors can expect innovative displays and expanded programming that deepen engagement with Hackney’s past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Stairway to Heaven, Bethnal Green Memorial
1.9 km
A powerful inverted staircase memorial in Bethnal Green Gardens, honouring the 173 civilians who died in the 1943 tube shelter disaster, the worst civilian loss of life in Britain during WWII.
Shoreditch Church
2.5 km
Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
Arnold Circus
2.5 km
Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
Princelet St
3.0 km
Discover the historical beauty of Princelet Street in London, a notable street rich in culture and architectural charm, perfect for every traveler.
Brick Lane Mosque
3.0 km
A 280-year architectural chronicle of immigrant faith, where Huguenots, Jews, and Bangladeshis have each found spiritual sanctuary.
Christ Church Spitalfields
3.1 km
Explore the stunning architecture and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, an iconic Anglican church in the heart of London.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
3.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, a unique blend of nature, history, and community nestled in the heart of London.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
3.2 km
Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
3.3 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Finsbury Square
3.3 km
Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Northumbria University - London
3.3 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
46 Noel Rd
3.4 km
Explore the architectural diversity and cultural richness of London at 46 Noel Rd, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
3.4 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
182 Bishopsgate
3.4 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Devonshire Square
3.5 km
A vibrant historic campus blending heritage, modern workspaces, and lively lifestyle spaces in central London’s City.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hackney Church Brew Co.
0.4 km
A vibrant brewery and taproom in East London blending craft beer excellence with community spirit and innovative open-flame cuisine.
National Trust - Sutton House and Breaker's Yard
0.6 km
Explore Sutton House, Hackney’s oldest Tudor manor, blending 16th-century heritage with vibrant community spirit and an award-winning urban garden.
Broadway Market
1.0 km
A vibrant East London street market blending historic charm with global street food, artisanal crafts, and a thriving community spirit.
The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour
1.1 km
Step into London’s quirkiest cocktail bar and museum of curiosities, where absinthe meets the bizarre in an unforgettable cultural experience.
Victoria Park
1.5 km
London’s largest historic park offering scenic lakes, vibrant community events, and year-round green space in the heart of the East End.
The Cauldron London
1.5 km
Brew your own magical cocktails in a wizard's basement sanctuary hidden beneath East London.
Turkish Bath Hamam
1.5 km
Experience authentic Turkish hammam rituals in Dalston’s intimate, serene spa with steam rooms, peeling, and massages.
OTHERWORLD VR | London Hackney
1.6 km
Step into East London’s premier VR venue where immersive technology meets social gaming in a futuristic digital island paradise.
Hackney City Farm
1.6 km
Discover a vibrant urban farm in East London where city life meets sustainable farming, friendly animals, and community spirit.
Signature Brew Haggerston
1.6 km
Craft beer, live music, and creative energy beneath a Hackney railway arch.
Young V&A
1.7 km
A vibrant, free museum in East London where children and families ignite creativity through play, design, and imagination.
Columbia Road Flower Market
2.0 km
Discover a vibrant Sunday floral haven in East London, where history, community, and colorful blooms create an unforgettable market experience.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
2.2 km
A whimsical monster-themed gift shop in London supporting creative writing charity for kids with quirky treats and curious curiosities.
Mile End Park
2.3 km
A vibrant 32-hectare linear park blending nature, art, and sport along Regent’s Canal in East London.
Shoreditch Park
2.4 km
Sprawling urban green space in Hackney blending sports, play, art, and community with a vibrant, eco-conscious spirit.
Essential places to dine
Behind Restaurant
0.6 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.6 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Brawn
2.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
2.5 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.5 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Lyle's
2.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
3.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
3.5 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
3.5 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
supperclub.tube - Dining on a Tube Train
3.9 km
Experience fine dining like never before aboard Supperclub.tube - where modern European meets Latin American flavors in a unique tube train setting.
14 Hills
4.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
4.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
La Dame de Pic London
4.1 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
St. John
4.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Madison
4.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
69b Boutique Sustainable Style
0.9 km
London’s first boutique dedicated to stylish, sustainable fashion with a focus on ethical brands and eco-friendly materials.
Triangle Store
1.2 km
Independent East London boutique championing sustainable fashion, ethical homeware, and conscious living.
Luna & Curious
2.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Nook Shop
2.6 km
A chic, eco-conscious lifestyle boutique offering curated gifts and design treasures in the heart of Stoke Newington.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
2.7 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
DPUS Designer Outlet
2.9 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Sclater Street Market
3.0 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Spitalfields Market
3.1 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Commercial St
3.1 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Fashion St
3.1 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Petticoat Lane Market
3.4 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
3.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Camden Passage, Islington
3.5 km
Explore Camden Passage in Islington: A Vintage Market Paradise with Unique Shops, Cafes, and Artisanal Food Delights.
Westfield Stratford City
3.5 km
Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Westfield Stratford City, London's premier destination for fashion, food, and fun.
Unique Gifts
3.6 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Behind This Wall
0.5 km
Discover Hackney’s cozy basement bar with bespoke cocktails, vintage sounds, and an intimate atmosphere that invites you to savor every sip.
Satan's Whiskers
1.7 km
Discover East London's beloved cocktail bar where classic drinks meet hip-hop vibes and a quirky, intimate atmosphere.
The Sun Tavern
1.9 km
Historic East End corner bar blending a vast Irish whiskey collection with lively live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two
2.1 km
Step inside Alcotraz London for a one-of-a-kind immersive prison cocktail bar adventure with live actors and bespoke drinks.
TT
2.3 km
Innovative wood-fired Mediterranean small plates and cocktails in a stylish Shoreditch venue with a vibrant rooftop terrace.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
2.5 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
2.5 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
2.6 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
Happiness Forgets
2.6 km
Discover expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, candlelit basement bar with a welcoming no-standing policy in the heart of Hoxton Square.
Ballie Ballerson London
2.7 km
Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
2.9 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
Nightjar Shoreditch
3.0 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Old Fountain
3.0 km
Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
3.2 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
3.2 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.3 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
XOYO LONDON
3.0 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
E1
4.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
London Best Night Clubs
4.0 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Steel Yard
4.5 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Egg London Nightclub
4.8 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
Carwash Nightclub
5.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
5.7 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Sunlight Lounge
5.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and sophistication at Sunlight Lounge in London, where craft cocktails and a chic ambiance await.
Proud Late
5.8 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Roxy
5.9 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Max's Other Flat
5.9 km
Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at Max's Other Flat, a must-visit nightclub in London offering electrifying music and unforgettable moments.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
5.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
6.0 km
Discover the joy of nightlife on the move with The Mobile Nightclub in London, where the party comes to you!
The Underworld
6.0 km
Dive into Camden's throbbing heart of rock and metal at this legendary basement club, where intimate gigs unleash mosh pits and unforgettable riffs.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
