Museum of Freemasonry

About the museum

The United Grand Lodge of England decided in 1838 to start a library and museum, and by 1841 the collection was in use by freemasons. It grew mostly through gifts from members. Since 1933 it has been housed in the present Freemasons’ Hall in Great Queen Street, an Art Deco building designed with a dedicated space for the library and museum. The museum first opened to the general public on certain days in the 1980s.

It became an independent charity in 1996, and about four fifths of the objects are still on long-term loan from the United Grand Lodge. The collection was designated as nationally important in 2007, and the museum has held full accreditation since 2009. It was renamed the Museum of Freemasonry in 2017 after a redevelopment of the galleries.

The permanent display in the North Gallery looks at three centuries of English freemasonry, while the South Gallery and the library hold further objects and books for visitors and researchers. Entry is free, and visitors do not have to be freemasons.

Highlights

• Ceremonial throne made in 1791 for the Prince of Wales, later George IV
• Ceremonial jewels made in secret from scrap metal by prisoners of war at Changi
• View into the Kent Room, a lodge room still in use
• Free entry in the Art Deco Freemasons’ Hall
• Public guided tours including the Grand Temple

Permanent exhibition

• Three centuries of English freemasonry – The North Gallery shows important items from the history of English freemasonry, including a ceremonial throne from 1791 and the Changi jewels.

Founded

1841

Operated by

Museum of Freemasonry (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry to the museum is free. Only the guided tours of the building are paid.

Accessibility

• 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

Freemasons’ Hall and the museum have step-free access, and the museum is on the first floor, reached by stairs or lift. It is all on one level with wide corridors and doorways. An accessible toilet is available, but visitors should ask staff for help because it lies behind staff-only doors. The galleries are quiet with no loud noises or flashing lights, and information panels use large, high-contrast text. The audio guide is currently not available.

Kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Unisex toilets with baby changing are in the corridor between the North Gallery and the library.

Getting there & parking

Bike stands are near the main entrance on the corner of Great Queen Street and Wild Street. Santander Cycles docking stations are on Newton Street and Drury Lane.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

A public café on the ground floor serves tea, coffee, beer and light snacks. The shop is on the first floor next to the museum. Lockers on the first floor need a refundable £1 coin.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit