2 Willow Road
Modernist terraced house built in 1939 by the architect Ernő Goldfinger as his family home, kept with its furniture and modern art.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Number 2 Willow Road is the middle house of a terrace of three that the Hungarian-born architect Ernő Goldfinger designed in Hampstead. He had studied in Paris and moved to Britain in the 1930s, where he became a member of the MARS Group of modern architects. His first plan, a block of flats with studios, was rejected by London County Council in 1936, and he submitted the final design for three houses at the end of 1937.
The plans caused a public dispute, because a local campaigner objected to a modern house in reinforced concrete. Goldfinger answered that very little concrete would show and that the houses suited the Georgian buildings nearby. The work went ahead and was finished in the summer of 1939, shortly before the Second World War. In 1942 he used the house for an ‘Aid to Russia’ exhibition with works by well-known artists.
The house was handed to the National Trust in 1993. It keeps its original plan over three levels, with built-in furniture designed by Goldfinger and a collection of modern art that includes works by Henry Moore, Max Ernst and Bridget Riley. Guides lead visitors through the rooms, and a short film introduces his career.
Highlights
- Modernist family home completed in 1939
- Furniture designed by Goldfinger, including a desk with pivoting drawers
- Family art collection with works by Henry Moore, Max Ernst and Bridget Riley
- Guided tours with a short film on the architect’s life
- One of only two Modernist houses open to the public in Britain
Permanent exhibition
- 2 Willow Road – The Goldfinger family home with its original plan, bespoke furniture and a collection of modern art, visited on a guided tour.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- National Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £13 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £6.50free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 17; children under 5 are free and need no ticket. |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of more than 10 must book by email; no group discount is offered. |
| Families | £32.50Two adults and up to three children. |
| One adult and up to three children | £19.50 |
All visitors must book a ticket in advance. National Trust members and National Art Pass holders book free of charge. Prices shown are standard admission without Gift Aid.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The house keeps its original 20th-century plan, with narrow doorways, corridors and small rooms over three levels and very little turning space. There is a steep entrance and uneven surfaces. Step-free access is limited to the outside, the film viewing room and the small hallway; a spiral staircase leads to the first and second floors. A 25-minute film can be watched on the ground floor. Parking on the small forecourt can be arranged for disabled visitors by email, and there is a drop-off point on the street outside. Braille and large-print guides and seating are available, and only assistance dogs are allowed. There are no toilets on site.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £32.50 · Two adults and up to three children. |
Children aged 5 to 17 pay a reduced price and children under 5 are free; the house is small, with narrow doorways and a spiral staircase.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hampstead Heath station
Hampstead Heath station (London Overground) is about ¼ mile away on a signposted walk, and Hampstead station (Northern line) is about ½ mile away. Frequent local bus services stop nearby.
By car
There is no parking at the house for general visitors; the National Trust points to a nearby public car park. Parking on the small forecourt can be arranged only for disabled visitors.
- Accessible parking
There are no cycle racks on site, but public bike racks are 60 metres away.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
No toilets or parking on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The guided tour of the house lasts 60 minutes, and visitors can also explore at their own pace in free-flow slots in the afternoon. Visitors show their ticket on the forecourt to a volunteer on arrival. |
