The long-awaited revival of a beloved cultural institution has received a major endorsement, securing its place as the capital's most anticipated new experience. Time Out has named the London Museum as the best new thing to do in London in 2026, placing the revamped venue at the top of its annual list of exciting openings.
A Decade in the Making: From Museum of London to London Museum
This recognition marks a significant milestone for a project that has been a decade in development. The museum, formerly known as the Museum of London, closed its doors at its London Wall site in December 2022, leaving Londoners eager for its return. Now rebranded with the snappier, if less Google-friendly, name London Museum, it is scheduled for a grand reopening towards the end of 2026. This timing is poignant, coinciding with the institution's 50th anniversary.
The excitement stems not only from its refreshed identity, featuring a distinctive ceramic pigeon logo, but from its spectacular new home. The museum is moving into the historic Smithfield Market, a location brimming with character and space for innovative exhibition design.
Inside the New Smithfield Home
The new venue promises a unique blend of heritage and modernity. It will boast an expansive underground gallery housed within the old Great Northern Railway depot. One of its most talked-about features is a large window installed in the market's former salt store. This portal is designed to offer visitors a live view of trains carrying passengers through Farringdon station, a deliberate architectural choice meant to connect the museum's historical narratives directly to the 'London of today'.
While the museum is keeping specific details of its opening exhibitions under wraps for now, the sheer scope of London's history as its subject matter promises a compelling lineup. The anticipation is high for what the curatorial team will select from the city's vast and vibrant story.
What This Means for London's Cultural Scene
This top ranking from Time Out's experts signals a major cultural event for the city's calendar. The London Museum's reopening is set to be a cornerstone of the capital's 2026 offerings, drawing both residents and tourists to the revitalised Smithfield area. Its focus on connecting past and present through its architecture and, presumably, its exhibitions, positions it as a dynamic new hub for understanding the ever-evolving metropolis.
For now, those keen to engage with the museum's collections can visit its sister site, the London Museum in Docklands. However, all eyes are firmly on the progress at Smithfield, as the countdown to the late 2026 opening begins in earnest.
