London Museum has confirmed that the first phase of its long-planned move to Smithfield Market will open on 28 November, marking a major milestone for one of the UK’s most significant cultural infrastructure projects.
The institution, formerly known as the Museum of London, first announced its relocation to the Smithfield Market complex 11 years ago. Its new home in Farringdon has required a major construction and conservation programme, converting near-derelict market buildings into a contemporary museum designed to attract more than two million annual visits.
The redevelopment has cost £437m, funded through a combination of public support and philanthropic giving. Major backers include the Linbury Trust, Goldsmiths Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
For museum leaders, architects, cultural planners and visitor experience specialists, the project offers a major case study in adaptive reuse, urban cultural development and the changing role of museums within city districts.
Historic Buildings Given New Cultural Use
The museum will occupy two adjacent Smithfield buildings, connected by an enclosed avenue created by glazing the road between them at both ends.
The 1880s general market building is a significant Victorian structure, with 16 wrought iron columns supporting a large covered space comparable in scale to Oxford Circus. The nearby 1960s poultry market building includes one of Europe’s largest clear-span concrete dome roofs, although this part of the museum is scheduled to open in 2028.
The architectural work has been led by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, with conservation input from Julian Harrap Architects. The scheme has focused on retaining the character and value of buildings that were once at serious risk, while adapting them for public cultural use.
The decision to reuse existing structures rather than construct a new museum has also shaped the project’s sustainability profile. For cultural operators reviewing estate strategy, the Smithfield scheme underlines the operational and environmental value of reusing major heritage assets when supported by careful design, capital investment and a clear civic purpose.
A Museum Designed As A Civic Space
The new London Museum is being planned as an active part of the city rather than a closed cultural institution. Retail units around the building will be leased to selected organisations, creating a mixed cultural and commercial edge around the site.
The museum will also operate with extended Friday and Saturday evening hours, supporting a day-to-night model of cultural programming. Activity will involve London-based organisations including Hive Curates, Punchdrunk Enrichment, Morley’s and Fabric.
Inside the general market building, the basement Past Time area will present the permanent galleries, with an object-rich approach to London’s history. Above it, Linbury Hall will host Our Time, a social and events-led space with co-created programming, food and retail offers.
Programming With A London Identity
The first programme, London Tastes, will launch in November 2026 and run all the way through to August 2027 and will examine the food culture of the city. It will be led by guest editors Jonathan Nunn and Ruby Tandoh, bringing together perspectives on food, identity, migration and social change.
For the wider visitor experience sector, London Museum’s Smithfield opening points to a broader direction for cultural venues. It combines heritage conservation, social programming, night-time economy activity and mixed-use urban planning within one long-term project.
As the first phase prepares to open, the museum’s relocation is set to become a key reference point for institutions seeking to turn historic buildings into active cultural destinations.
