Museum of Childhood: In June 1872, The Bethnal Green Museum was opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales (the future King Edward VII and Princess Alexandra). In the 1920s, the Museum started to focus on children. Keeper Arthur Sabin encouraged local schools to visit, established a classroom, and gave child-friendly lectures. One of the galleries was dedicated to childhood, childhood material was actively collected, and objects transferred from the V&A.
Finally, in 1974, the Director of the V&A, Roy Strong, redefined Bethnal Green as a Museum of Childhood, and towards the end of the last century, it was officially recognised as the National Museum of Childhood.
The Museum recently won the Kids Love London award, for childrens favourite visitor attraction 2004.
One for the under 5s - they can jump around to their hearts content in a safe, designated soft play area, while parents can put their feet up with a weekend paper. Admission: £1.80 for a 40 minute session. Tickets from the Information Desk.
For more information about Museum of Childhood, please contact , or see event details on the left.
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