John Wesley's House and the Museum of Methodism

About the museum

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, had a house built next to Wesley's Chapel on City Road in London. It was designed by George Dance and ready for use in 1779, when Wesley moved in. He lived there in winter and spent the rest of each year travelling around Britain on horseback to preach. Visiting preachers, servants and others he called his family also lived in the house. After his death in 1791 it became the home of the senior minister of the chapel, and in 1898, following a major restoration, it opened to the public as a museum.

Today visitors can see Wesley's furniture and belongings, including his study chair and an electrical machine, as well as the small prayer room that Methodists around the world regard as the powerhouse of their movement. The rooms also show how a modest Georgian town house was run day to day.

The Museum of Methodism fills the crypt of the chapel and has been refurbished. Its collection of more than 15,000 objects includes paintings, ceramics and works on paper, with items that belonged to John and Charles Wesley and other early Methodists. The displays follow the spread of Methodism overseas and Wesley's concern for the poor, the sick and the enslaved. The museum holds full accreditation from Arts Council England.

Highlights

• John Wesley's Georgian house, where he lived from 1779 to 1791
• Wesley's study chair, electrical machine and small prayer room
• Museum of Methodism in the chapel crypt with more than 15,000 objects
• Wesley's teapot and other objects that belonged to the Wesley family
• Free entry to the museum and chapel

Permanent exhibitions

• John Wesley's House – The Georgian town house where Wesley lived from 1779, with his furniture, study chair, electrical machine and prayer room.
• The Museum of Methodism – A museum in the chapel crypt showing the origins and spread of Methodism, with objects from the Wesley family and more than 15,000 items in the collection.

Founded

1898

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The Chapel, Museum and grounds are free, with donations welcome; only John Wesley's House is ticketed. Groups of six or more must book in advance.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a ramp into the Chapel, and the Museum and an accessible toilet are reached by lift. John Wesley's House is on the ground floor only. A visual story (PDF) is available for autistic visitors or anyone who wants to preview the visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The museum's activity corner has Play Packs for ages 5 to 9 and Discover Packs for under-5s, and there is a dressing-up trunk and trails for the House and Museum. Open days with re-enactors and free family activities are listed on the events page.

Getting there & parking

The chapel is on City Road, opposite Bunhill Fields, a short walk from Moorgate.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The site has a shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Room hire is available; enquiries go to the administration office.

Plan your visit