The Cinema Museum in London: photos, reviews

About

The Cinema Museum in London offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of film. With an impressive collection dating back to the 1890s, this unique venue provides an enriching experience for movie enthusiasts eager to explore the history of cinema. Pre-booked guided tours are highly recommended to make the most of your 1-2 hour visit. Rated highly at 4.7 stars on Google, it's best to secure your tickets in advance. Facilities include well-maintained toilets, adding convenience to your cultural journey through cinematic history.

Recommended visit time

1-2 hours

Features

Wheelchair accessible parking, Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible toilet, Recommended buy tickets ahead, Toilet

How to get here?

The nearest public transport options for your convenience.

Fitzalan Street (Stop KG)

Bus stop 409 m walk

Elephant & Castle Station (Stop S)

Bus stop 354 m walk

Elephant & Castle / London Road (Stop A)

Bus stop 492 m walk

Newington Butts (Stop BC)

Bus stop 231 m walk

4.7

based on 424 reviews

Google

4.7/5 424 reviews

Tanya Lake

Booked a Monday 11am tour and waited outside with a mixed crowd of seniors, younger couples, and families, all keen to get inside. The imposing former workhouse building looks a little dilapidated, but that only adds to its character. Booking is done via email or phone — quite old school, much like the website — but it suits the place perfectly. When the doors opened, we were greeted by Martin Humphries, co-founder and director. The card machine was out of order, so payment was taken in a more traditional way. We headed upstairs to a large, low-lit room housing the souvenir shop, café, bar, and screening area. The space drew gasps as we walked in, filled with cinema seating, memorabilia, and a giant cut-out silhouette of Charlie Chaplin, who has historic ties to the building. We were offered free tea, coffee, or soft drinks before settling into the cinema seats for a half-hour introduction from Martin, covering the museum’s background, the building’s history, and stories about the golden age of cinema. There’s a faint musty smell and plenty of dust, but it all adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. After the talk, we were given half an hour to explore. At first, some thought there might be dedicated exhibition rooms, but after a few mistaken door openings into offices, we realised the displays were actually in the corridors and hallways. Memorabilia — from projectors and uniforms to posters and cinema furniture — sits alongside boxes, lifting trolleys, and odd bits left out. It’s a little chaotic and disorderly, but that’s part of the museum’s quirky, endearing charm. Then you go back upstairs to see films. Tour takes two hours. A must for anyone who loves cinema history and doesn’t mind a dose of old-fashioned, slightly ramshackle character with their culture.

Steve of N21

If you went to Saturday morning pictures and drunk Kia Orange you need to visit this wonderful museum, as it will take you straight back there.An eclectic collection of old cinema memorabilia, a lot of it from historical cinemas no longer in existence. And a wonderful collection of old film, from news reels, cartoons, film trailers and who can forget the Pearl and Dean adverts.

Nik Mortimer

A unique experience in London dedicated to the rich history of cinemas within the capital, and more specifically, Elephant & Castle. You’ll spend about 45 minutes being given a detailed guided tour of the collection followed by a 30 minute screening of classic adverts, cartoons and shorts. Everyone I spoke to was super friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about the museum. A truly one of a kind experience.

The Cinema Museum in London

About

Recommended visit time

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Reviews and Ratings