Foundling Museum: A Legacy of Care and Creativity in London
Explore the Foundling Museum, where art, music, and history unite to tell the story of Britain’s first children’s charity and its enduring legacy.
The Foundling Museum in London tells the compelling story of the Foundling Hospital, Britain's first home for abandoned children, founded in 1739 by Thomas Coram. Housed in a 1930s building that incorporates original 18th-century features, the museum showcases important art collections, including works by William Hogarth and George Frideric Handel memorabilia. It highlights the hospital’s pioneering role as a children’s charity and the UK’s first public art gallery, celebrating over 275 years of history, art, music, and social care.
A brief summary to Foundling Museum
- 40 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ, GB
- +442078413600
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid peak crowds and fully enjoy the museum’s galleries and exhibitions.
- Take time to listen to the Handel music experience on the top floor, where armchairs play nine hours of his compositions.
- Explore the historic Court Room from the 1740s to connect with the original Foundling Hospital’s atmosphere.
- Check the museum’s calendar for contemporary exhibitions and events that highlight ongoing social care themes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Russell Square station on the Piccadilly Line, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to 40 Brunswick Square. Tube services run frequently with fares ranging from £2.50 to £4.90 depending on ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes, including 7, 59, 68, and 91, stop near Brunswick Square. Bus travel times vary from 15 to 30 minutes from central London, with an Oyster or contactless fare of about £1.65.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to the museum typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £10 and £20.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Bloomsbury, walking to the museum is pleasant and accessible, taking around 10-20 minutes on flat terrain with wheelchair access.
Foundling Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Foundling Museum
Origins of Compassion and Social Reform
The Foundling Museum traces its roots to the Foundling Hospital, established in 1739 by philanthropist Thomas Coram. Disturbed by the plight of abandoned infants on London’s streets, Coram tirelessly campaigned for 17 years until King George II granted a Royal Charter, enabling the creation of the UK’s first children’s charity. The hospital provided shelter, education, and care for babies at risk of abandonment, marking a pioneering moment in social welfare history. Initially located in Bloomsbury, the hospital became a beacon of hope amid the harsh realities of 18th-century London.An Artistic Haven and Cultural Landmark
The Foundling Hospital was not only a sanctuary for children but also the UK’s first public art gallery. Leading artists such as William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, and Joshua Reynolds donated works to support the cause, transforming the hospital into a fashionable cultural venue. Composer George Frideric Handel was a key supporter, holding annual benefit concerts of Messiah and leaving behind a collection of manuscripts and his will, now housed in the museum. This unique blend of art and philanthropy helped raise awareness and funds, embedding creativity into the hospital’s identity.The Museum’s Historic Home and Architectural Heritage
The current Foundling Museum is located at 40 Brunswick Square in a 1930s building that serves as the former headquarters of the children’s charity. This site incorporates architectural elements and Rococo interiors salvaged from the original 18th-century hospital building. Visitors can explore reconstructed historic rooms, including the Court Room from the 1740s, which evoke the atmosphere of the original institution. The museum’s setting in Bloomsbury places it within a historic district rich in literary and cultural heritage.Collections That Connect Past and Present
The museum cares for two major collections: the Foundling Hospital Collection and the Gerald Coke Handel Collection. These include paintings, drawings, sculptures, furniture, clocks, ceramics, and poignant artefacts such as tokens left by mothers with their babies. The Handel Collection features manuscripts, printed scores, and a fair copy of Messiah. Through these objects, visitors gain insight into the lives of the children and the creative figures who supported them, bridging centuries of history and social change.Contemporary Engagement and Educational Mission
Beyond preserving history, the Foundling Museum actively inspires change through the arts. It hosts exhibitions, events, and an award-winning arts training program for young people who have been in care. The museum collaborates with contemporary artists, writers, and musicians to continue the legacy of creativity and care. Its dynamic programming highlights social welfare issues and celebrates the ongoing impact of artistic philanthropy on vulnerable children’s lives.Visiting the Museum Today
Open Tuesday to Sunday, the Foundling Museum offers an accessible and moving experience in central London. Visitors can explore evocative galleries, historic interiors, and listen to Handel’s music played through armchairs with built-in speakers. The museum’s location near Russell Square tube station makes it an enriching cultural stop for those interested in history, art, music, and social justice, providing a profound reflection on care, community, and creativity over nearly three centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of Thomas Coram
0.0 km
A seated bronze tribute to the philanthropist who saved thousands of abandoned children from London's streets.
St Pancras New Church
0.6 km
A majestic Greek Revival church in London, blending ancient Athenian design with rich history and vibrant community life.
Sicilian Avenue
0.8 km
Discover Sicilian Avenue, a serene Edwardian pedestrian street in London blending Italianate architecture with charming shops and tranquil ambiance.
Euston War Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn 13-meter obelisk and bronze statues honor London’s railway workers who sacrificed their lives in World War I.
190 High Holborn
0.9 km
A modern office landmark in central London, blending contemporary design with strategic connectivity near historic Holborn.
Hasdan
1.1 km
Discover the vibrant heart of London at Hasdan, where shopping, culture, and history meet on Tottenham Court Road.
Goodge St
1.1 km
Discover the charm of Goodge Street in London, where history meets vibrant culture, shopping, and diverse dining options.
covent Garden ,
1.2 km
Explore Covent Garden's vibrant atmosphere filled with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of London.
The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn
1.2 km
Explore the rich history and serene beauty of The Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, a cornerstone of London's legal heritage.
St Giles in the Fields
1.2 km
Medieval leper hospital turned Palladian masterpiece—nearly 1000 years of London's sacred and troubled history
1 Soho Place
1.2 km
Explore 1 Soho Place: A vibrant business park in London's Soho, surrounded by eclectic eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Bleeding Heart Yard
1.2 km
London's most haunted courtyard, where Gothic legend meets gritty Victorian history beneath ancient cobblestones.
Denmark St
1.2 km
Britain's legendary Tin Pan Alley where rock and roll history was written in every studio, café, and guitar shop.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
1.2 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Fitzroy Square
1.2 km
Discover the serene beauty of Fitzroy Square, a historic garden square in London, where elegance meets tranquility amidst the city's vibrant energy.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brunswick Square Gardens
0.1 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden where literary giants walked beneath ancient plane trees and bohemian dreams took root.
Curzon Bloomsbury
0.2 km
Discover world-class arthouse cinema and documentary premieres at Curzon Bloomsbury, nestled in the iconic Brunswick Centre.
The Brunswick Centre
0.2 km
A Grade II listed modernist residential and shopping complex blending architecture, community, and culture in Bloomsbury, London.
Coram's Fields
0.2 km
A historic seven-acre playground and community hub in London dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
The Lamb
0.3 km
Step into The Lamb on Lamb's Conduit Street, a Georgian gem with Victorian charm, famed for its snob screens, real ales, and literary heritage.
Persephone books
0.4 km
Explore the unique literary treasures of Persephone Books, a London bookshop dedicated to uncovering forgotten works by women authors.
Queen Square
0.4 km
A historic Bloomsbury square blending Georgian charm, royal ties, and a world-renowned medical heritage in tranquil garden surroundings.
Russell Sq
0.4 km
A peaceful Georgian garden square in Bloomsbury, blending historic charm with serene green spaces in central London.
Charles Dickens Museum
0.4 km
Step into the Victorian world of Charles Dickens at his only surviving London home, where literary history and personal stories come alive.
1 Queen Square
0.5 km
Historic Bloomsbury garden square renowned for medical heritage, tranquil gardens, and Georgian architecture.
Smallest Street in London
0.5 km
Discover Emerald Court, London’s famously narrow alley, a hidden passage steeped in history and architectural contrasts in Bloomsbury.
Woburn Walk
0.5 km
Step into a Regency-era pedestrian street in Bloomsbury, where history, architecture, and literary legacy converge in a tranquil urban retreat.
The Postal Museum
0.5 km
Discover five centuries of postal history and ride London’s secret underground Mail Rail at The Postal Museum in Clerkenwell.
Tavistock Square
0.5 km
A tranquil Georgian square in Bloomsbury, rich in literary history and peace memorials, embodying resilience and reflection in central London.
Gordon Sq
0.6 km
Tranquil Bloomsbury garden square steeped in literary history and academic heritage in central London.
Essential places to dine
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.1 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
The Ninth
1.2 km
Michelin-starred modern French cuisine with Mediterranean flair in Fitzrovia’s chic and relaxed dining hotspot.
Margot
1.2 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Circus
1.2 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
1.3 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Sarastro
1.3 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Inamo Covent Garden
1.3 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Noble Rot Soho
1.3 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
1.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
1.4 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
1.4 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
1.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Balthazar
1.4 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.4 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Quo Vadis
1.5 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fancy That of London
0.8 km
Discover unique London souvenirs and charming keepsakes in a warm, inviting shop just opposite the British Museum on Great Russell Street.
not just a shop
0.9 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
London Silver Vaults
1.1 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Primark
1.2 km
Discover unbeatable fashion and homeware bargains across multiple floors at Primark Oxford Street, London’s premier budget shopping destination.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
1.2 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.2 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
Forbidden Planet London Megastore
1.2 km
London’s ultimate destination for comics, collectibles, and cult pop culture treasures in the heart of the West End.
Canopy Market
1.2 km
Historic Victorian market hall reviving King's Cross with independent food, craft, and community every weekend.
Goodge Place Market
1.2 km
A vibrant street food market in the heart of Fitzrovia, offering diverse flavors and a relaxed atmosphere just steps from central London.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
1.2 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Pop Boutique
1.2 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Coal Drops Yard
1.2 km
Where Victorian industrial heritage meets contemporary shopping and dining in the heart of King’s Cross.
Rokit Covent Garden
1.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
1.3 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Good
1.3 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Fitz's Russell Sq.
0.4 km
Discover Fitz's Russell Square, a glamorous cocktail bar blending Victorian elegance with modern British cuisine in the heart of Bloomsbury.
The Duke
0.4 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Simmons Bar | Kings Cross
0.7 km
A quirky, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Kings Cross with lively music, creative drinks, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
Cosy Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A stylish speakeasy in King's Cross offering expertly crafted cocktails in a warm, intimate setting perfect for evenings and private events.
The Coral Room
1.0 km
Experience 1920s-inspired glamour and expertly crafted cocktails in the vibrant coral-hued heart of Bloomsbury Hotel.
The Black Horse - Pub & Cocktail Bar
1.2 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional pub charm and stylish cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
1.2 km
Discover Ye Olde Mitre, a hidden Tudor-era pub in Holborn where history, legend, and cozy charm converge in a secret London alley.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Fitzrovia
1.2 km
A vibrant, punk-inspired basement bar in Fitzrovia serving inventive cocktails and lively nights with flair and fun.
Spiritland
1.3 km
Immerse yourself in exceptional sound, creative cocktails, and a vibrant music culture at Spiritland King's Cross.
The Escapologist Bar
1.3 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Be At One - Russell Street
1.4 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Punch Room
1.4 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Little Scarlet Door
1.4 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Thirst Bar Soho
1.4 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Swift Soho
1.4 km
Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Carwash Nightclub
1.1 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
1.1 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
The Roxy
1.2 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.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
1.3 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
London Best Night Clubs
1.3 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
La Capannina Club
1.4 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
1.4 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Ivy Club
1.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
101 Nightclub London
1.5 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Bordello London
1.5 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
St Moritz Club
1.5 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
1.5 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Max's Other Flat
1.6 km
Discover a vibrant nightlife experience at Max's Other Flat, a must-visit nightclub in London offering electrifying music and unforgettable moments.
The Box Soho
1.6 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Sophisticats Soho
1.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
