Museum of the Home

Cmglee London Geffrye Museum garden

== Museum of the Home ==

The Museum of the Home is a museum located in Hoxton, London. It is dedicated to the history of domestic life and the home in the United Kingdom. The museum is housed in a series of 18th-century almshouses that were originally built in 1714 with funds from the estate of Sir Robert Geffrye, a former Lord Mayor of London.

History[edit | edit source]

The museum was established in 1914 as the Geffrye Museum, named after Sir Robert Geffrye. It was initially focused on the history of the furniture trade, reflecting the local area's association with furniture making. Over time, the museum's focus expanded to encompass the broader history of domestic interiors and home life.

In 2021, the museum was rebranded as the Museum of the Home following a major redevelopment project. This project included the construction of new exhibition spaces, improved visitor facilities, and the restoration of the historic almshouses.

Exhibitions[edit | edit source]

The Museum of the Home features a series of period rooms that illustrate the evolution of domestic interiors from the 1600s to the present day. These rooms are furnished with authentic furniture, textiles, and household items from each period, providing a vivid picture of how people lived in different eras.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of home life, such as the role of technology in the home, the impact of social changes on domestic life, and the cultural significance of home decor.

Gardens[edit | edit source]

The museum's gardens are an integral part of the visitor experience. They include a series of period gardens that reflect the changing styles of urban gardens from the 17th century to the present day. The gardens provide a tranquil setting for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Education and Outreach[edit | edit source]

The Museum of the Home offers a range of educational programs for schools, families, and community groups. These programs are designed to engage visitors with the history of the home and to encourage them to think about their own domestic environments.

The museum also runs outreach projects that aim to connect with diverse communities and to explore contemporary issues related to home and domestic life.