Bloomsbury, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in London, perfectly embodies the city’s blend of history and modernity. With its charming green squares, prestigious universities, and rich cultural offerings, Bloomsbury offers a captivating journey through time.
Dive into History and Culture
St. George’s Church Bloomsbury, a masterpiece by renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, invites you to step back into the early 1700s. This elegant church provides a sanctuary for worship and cultural experiences, offering a unique blend of traditional services and artistic performances.
Pollock’s Toy Museum transports you to a whimsical world of childhood. Housed within two historic buildings, this cozy museum displays a fascinating collection of toys from around the world. Step into the Victorian Era with vintage playthings or browse the shop on the first floor for nostalgic treasures to take home.
The Kimpton Fitzroy London, formerly known as the Hotel Russell, stands proudly on Russell Square. This grand hotel, designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898, holds a piece of Titanic history. Doll drew inspiration from the hotel’s design when he later worked on the ill-fated ship. Although the hotel boasts modern amenities, its main dining room, modeled after the Titanic’s, and the bronze dragon on the staircase—a twin of the one that went down with the ship—still offer a glimpse into the past.
Explore the World of Art and Science
The Camera Museum, tucked away in a basement beneath a local café, chronicles the evolution of photographic technology. Browse a collection of cameras from the 1800s to the present day, and then head to the onsite camera shop to pick up some photographic equipment.
The Wiener Library, a monumental archive, preserves the memory of the Holocaust and the Nazi era. Explore the library’s extensive reading room, delve into temporary exhibitions, or join a free guided tour, held every Tuesday at 1:00 pm.
The Foundling Museum offers a glimpse into the past at the former Foundling Hospital, the first children’s charity and public art collection. Set within an exquisite 18th-century building, the museum cleverly blends historical artifacts with modern art installations, offering a unique perspective on the hospital and British society.
Discover Modernity and Artistic Expression
The Brunswick Centre, a Grade II-listed Brutalist building, stands out amongst Bloomsbury’s historic streets. This modern marvel houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and the newly opened Curzon Cinema, providing a unique setting to shop, dine, or catch a film.
The UCL Art Museum, housed within the prestigious University College London, showcases a captivating collection of over 10,000 works of art spanning from the 1400s to the present day. Discover a diverse range of artistic styles—from prints and drawings to sculptures, paintings, and multimedia works.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, another gem within UCL, offers an extraordinary journey into ancient Egypt. Explore a vast collection of 80,000 artifacts from Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology, including Egyptian costumes and the earliest example of metal in Egypt.
The Grant Museum of Zoology, also part of UCL, is the city’s last remaining university natural history museum. With 68,000 specimens from the animal kingdom, the museum holds a treasure trove of zoological wonders, including the world’s rarest skeleton—the quagga.
Immerse Yourself in the Lively Streets of Bloomsbury
St. George’s Gardens, a tranquil haven of three acres, provides a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Originally a burial ground, the park retains vestiges of its past with historic tombs and statues, offering a serene oasis for modern-day Londoners.
The Dominion Theatre, a grand West End theater dating back to the 1920s, boasts a magnificent stage for captivating musicals. Experience the magic of Broadway with shows like Beauty and the Beast, the long-running Queen musical We Will Rock You, and Bat Out of Hell, a rock musical featuring the iconic songs of Meat Loaf.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), a renowned institution, has trained some of the UK’s most celebrated actors, including Kenneth Branagh, Anthony Hopkins, and Tom Hiddleston. Catch future stars before they become famous by attending performances by current RADA students throughout the school term.
The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) takes you beyond the UK with its captivating Brunei Gallery. Immerse yourself in contemporary and historical exhibitions showcasing the art and culture of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Escape the city at the gallery’s serene Japanese roof garden.
Unleash Your Artistic Spirit
The Place, a vibrant dance center, pulsates with the energy of London’s thriving dance scene. Experience a diverse range of contemporary dance performances almost every night, or join an open ballet or contemporary dance class to unleash your inner dancer.
The Charles Dickens Museum invites you to step into the former London home of the beloved author. Discover the residence where Dickens penned iconic works like Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickelby, and explore a collection of artifacts from his life and career. Immerse yourself in the world of Dickens through regular events and special exhibitions.
The Cartoon Museum, which is relocating to Wells Street in spring 2019, celebrates the world of British cartoons and comic art. Discover political cartoons, comics, and caricatures from the 18th century to the present day, encompassing themes from Alice in Wonderland to World War II.
Discover the Wonders of Science and Art
The Wellcome Collection, a free museum featuring the medical antiquities of 19th-century collector Henry Wellcome, offers a captivating journey through the bizarre and fascinating. Explore Peruvian mummies, Darwin’s walking stick, Napoleon’s toothbrush, and a collection of other curious objects. The museum’s temporary exhibitions are equally engaging, adding a modern touch to the permanent collection.
Explore the Enchanting British Museum
The British Museum, a world-renowned treasure trove, is a must-visit for any visitor to London. Founded in 1753 as the world’s first public museum, it houses historical artifacts from around the globe. Admire the impressive glass-ceiling concourse, then delve into the museum’s free collection, including Egyptian mummies, marble sculptures from the Parthenon, and the Rosetta Stone.
Bloomsbury, a vibrant tapestry woven with history, culture, and art, offers an unforgettable journey through time. From its charming squares to its world-class museums, the neighborhood provides a captivating experience for anyone seeking to explore the heart of London.
