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London Museum’s Smithfield opening is approaching
The new free permanent galleries open in Smithfield’s restored General Market on 28 November 2026. This is a different destination from the former London Wall visitor site—and only the first phase of the museum.
A new address for London’s own story
London Museum has confirmed 28 November 2026 for the opening of its permanent galleries in Smithfield’s General Market.
The announcement was published on 18 June; it is not new breaking news today. With the opening approaching, the useful question is what visitors should plan for.
The new destination is Smithfield, EC1A 9AG, not the former museum at London Wall and not London Museum Docklands at West India Quay.
- Opening date
- Saturday 28 November 2026
- Admission
- Permanent galleries advertised as free
- First phase
- Victorian General Market, Smithfield · EC1A 9AG
- Later phase
- Poultry Market scheduled for 2028
- Still to confirm
- Opening-day hours and any reservation arrangements
- Last source check
- 20 October 2026; announcement originally published 18 June
On this page
What opens first
The first phase occupies the restored Victorian General Market.
The museum describes three connected spaces—Real Time, Our Time and Past Time—bringing London’s objects and communities into the former market. The neighbouring Poultry Market is scheduled to follow in 2028 with temporary exhibition spaces, learning facilities and collection storage.
A 2026 opening date must not be used to imply that every later part of the project is ready to visit.
Choose one story to follow
The museum’s preview highlights Roman writing tablets, the Cheapside Hoard and objects connected with protest, music and everyday London life.
Our suggestion is to let one interest shape a first visit rather than trying to see everything. Children who enjoy transport may be interested in the planned window beside the working train line, while another visitor may prefer jewellery or social history.
These are published previews, not our account of a visit to the completed galleries.
Free galleries are not an opening-day reservation
The permanent galleries are advertised as free.
The primary opening pages reviewed on 20 October did not establish opening-day hours or any reservation requirement, so this page does not supply a made-up arrival slot or promise walk-in availability. Check the museum’s own visitor information nearer the date before arranging a fixed journey.
Separate events, food and shopping may have different arrangements; free permanent admission is not a guarantee that the entire day costs nothing.
Use the Smithfield approach
The museum identifies nearby Farringdon rail, Thameslink and Elizabeth line connections as public-transport options.
Save the new Smithfield destination and confirm the final public entrance and suitable access route before travelling. Do not copy directions to London Museum Spaces at 150 London Wall: that older building is a different address.
Keep one nearby stop optional so an opening-week queue or a change to visitor arrangements does not spoil the whole day.
Questions, answered
When does London Museum open at Smithfield?
The museum confirms 28 November 2026 for its new permanent galleries. Opening-day hours are not confirmed here.
Is the whole project opening at once?
No. The General Market opens first; the neighbouring Poultry Market is scheduled for 2028.
Do I need a ticket?
The permanent galleries are advertised as free, but opening-day reservation arrangements were not established by the primary pages reviewed. Check directly before travelling.
