Photo of Museum of Croydon in Greater London
Museums

Museum of Croydon

πŸ“ Croydon, Greater London

β˜…4.3(147 Google reviews)πŸ’°FreeπŸ‘Ά5+

Free local history museum inside Croydon Clocktower featuring permanent Croydon heritage displays, rotating special exhibitions, and regular family workshops including Easter crafts and portrait drawing sessions.

βœ“ Free entryβœ“ Local historyβœ“ Rotating exhibitionsβœ“ Educationalβœ“ Family workshopsβœ“ Croydon heritage
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by big boy

I recently visited the Museum of Croydon, and it was a wonderful experience. It is a very nice place to visit, especially if you are interested in history. The museum has an impressive collection of historical items, and I was particularly fascinated by the ancient bows on display. The craftsmanship and detail of these old weapons are truly remarkable and give a glimpse into the past. The museum is well-organized, informative, and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to learn about local history and explore unique artifacts. I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Croydon if you are in the area β€” it’s both educational and inspiring!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for school-age children with an interest in local history, industrial heritage, or photography. The rotating exhibitions mean repeat visits offer fresh content. Entry is free, making it a low-commitment outing.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Check which galleries are open on your visit day β€” some sections open later than the main entrance
⏰Allow up to 90 minutes to see the full museum and any special exhibition
🎟️The nearest paid parking is Q-Park, roughly a seven-minute walk away
πŸš—The museum shares its entrance with the borough library β€” look for the Clocktower building

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.3
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147 Google reviews

Educational and informative40%
Good for all ages25%
Well-organised displays20%
Rotating special exhibitions15%
B

big boy

a month ago

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β€œI recently visited the Museum of Croydon, and it was a wonderful experience. It is a very nice place to visit, especially if you are interested in history. The museum has an impressive collection of historical items, and I was particularly fascinated by the ancient bows on display. The craftsmanship and detail of these old weapons are truly remarkable and give a glimpse into the past. The museum is well-organized, informative, and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to learn about local history and explore unique artifacts. I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Croydon if you are in the area β€” it’s both educational and inspiring!”

J

Jen Kavanagh

8 months ago

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β€œ'FORGE: Industries of Croydon'. New exhibition about the history of industry in the borough is now open. Family activities available and some amazing archive and contemporary photography on display. Plus the bubble car is back!”

M

Matthew Miles

6 years ago

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β€œA small but interesting museum about the history of Croydon. Artefacts have been donated/loaned by current and former occupants of the town and tell the story of Croydon’s recent history and further back. You should expect to spend approximately an hour to an hour and a half here if you want to look at all of the displays and read the notes, etc. A few interactive exhibits for kids, but more geared towards the people and the history than a β€œpushing buttons” museum. Worth a visit to soak up the local history!”

H

Ho Pong To

6 months ago

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β€œThe museum is free and situated inside the clock tower building - same entrance as the borough library. Parts of it (Riesco gallery etc) open at 11am instead of 10am (the special exhibition). The special exhibition now talks about the history of industry in Croydon and it’s informative and interesting. You probably finish it all in an hour. For parking, Q-park is recommended which is just 6-7 minutes walk away.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Museum of Croydon sits inside the Croydon Clocktower alongside the borough library. Permanent galleries cover Croydon's industrial and social history, with rotating special exhibitions β€” recent highlights include a Meccano display and the FORGE industries show with archive photography. Family workshops run seasonally. Some galleries open later than the main entrance; the Riesco gallery and special exhibitions open at a different time to the main doors.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Thursday10:00 – 16:30
Friday10:00 – 16:30
Saturday10:00 – 16:30
Sunday10:00 – 16:30

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