Mainly about the Museum of London
The opening of the new London Museum in November will attract a host of visitors, and many may be interested in exploring the history and current attractions of Smithfield and Clerkenwell. A new walks hub and visitor centre could complement the existing City Information Centre near St Paul’s. Currently the top visitor attractions in the … Continue reading “Why Smithfield deserves its own visitor centre”
Earlier this month the London Museum announced that it will be opening in West Smithfield on November 28, and as a local resident I was keen to take up the membership offer and “ join the Flock.” The Museum’s icon is a pigeon … The first edition of the Flock and Key newsletter is now … Continue reading “London Museum welcomes its Flock”
The City Corporation has announced plans for redevelopment of The Annex buildings in West Smithfield, originally part of the Victorian-era market. As I wrote earlier, at one point the buildings were to be incorporated in the new London Museum which is due to open later this year. In the photo The Annex is on the … Continue reading “Food hall and hotel planned for West Smithfield Annex buildings”
Plans for improvements to streets and public spaces north and south of Smithfield Market are being published as uncertainty emerges about the future of the historic meat market. The surrounding public realm will be particularly important in future on two fronts: when the new London Museum opens nearby in 2026, and when/if the market buildings … Continue reading “Smithfield Market surroundings due for a make-over – sometime”
Two City heritage organisations – the London Museum and London Archives – have new initiatives to help people explore both their amazing internal assets and those of their neighbourhoods in Smithfield and Clerkenwell. I wonder if they might join up their approaches? That might produce something like the Museum of the Streets I suggested in … Continue reading “Exploring EC1 with the London Museum and London Archives”
I’m intrigued by possible uses for a former Smithfield market building, which seems to have escaped public attention. The derelict General Market and Poultry Market buildings are being converted for the new London Museum, as I wrote here, and the main Meat Market continues to be in operation. But what of The Annex? I discover … Continue reading “Livery Companies could showcase craft skills next to new London Museum, suggests City councillor”
Update: the Culture Mile Business Improvement District presented its own public realm study at a community forum meeting on July 18. Video and transcript here. As yet there are no detailed proposals for Smithfield. The key issue is when the Meat Market may move. See below for committee discussion at which councillor Brendan Barns asked … Continue reading “£12 million vision for a more welcoming Smithfield now 10 years away”
Just because the Museum of London In the City is closed while moving from Barbican to West Smithfield doesn’t mean it is inactive. Rather the reverse. On Friday and Saturday last week the Museum launched Play Cycles “a new pop-up play programme bringing free, drop-in family-friendly play and art activities for all ages to parks, … Continue reading “Museum of London gets out and about on its Play Cycles”
Update July 24 2024: the Museum has launched its new website, with a full explanation of how Market buildings will be transformed. The London Society organises excellent walks and talks, and last week I was delighted to be able to join in a “sneak peek” organised by director Rob Fiehn just down the road at … Continue reading “The London Society offers a “sneak peek” into the site of the new London Museum”
When I was floating the idea of a Museum of the Streets last year, I wrote: “In December 2022 the Museum of London closes after 45 years on the edge of the Barbican estate, and prepares for a move to former market buildings in West Smithfield. “The new museum promises to be amazing – but … Continue reading “City announces ‘cultural transformation’ of Smithfield”