The Cartoon Museum

About the museum

The idea of a national cartoon museum was raised as early as 1949 by the cartoonist H. M. Bateman. The Cartoon Art Trust was set up in 1988 by cartoonists and collectors, among them Mel Calman, to collect, show and preserve the best of British cartoon art. After a fundraising campaign led by the cartoonist Oliver Preston, The Cartoon Museum opened on 23 February 2006 in Little Russell Street, with the Duke of Edinburgh, long-time patron of the trust, performing the opening.

The museum moved to its present home at 63 Wells Street in Fitzrovia in 2019. It occupies two galleries and a learning studio. A permanent display traces the story of British cartoons, caricature and comics from the 18th century to the present, with work by artists such as William Hogarth, Ronald Searle and Steve Bell, while a temporary exhibition is changed about every six months.

The museum is run by the Cartoon Art Trust, a small independent charity that receives no regular government funding. Alongside the galleries it offers workshops for schools, families and young people in its Clore learning studio, holiday courses for children aged 8 to 14, a young cartoonist-in-residence scheme, a touring exhibition and a shop for cartoon-related gifts.

Highlights

• Permanent display on British cartoons, caricature and comics since the 18th century
• Work by William Hogarth, Ronald Searle and Steve Bell
• Changing exhibition every six months
• Workshops and holiday courses for children
• Sensory backpacks and a hearing loop for access

Permanent exhibition

• Permanent display of British cartoon art – A display telling the story of British cartoons, caricature and comics from the 18th century to the present, with work by artists including William Hogarth, Ronald Searle and Steve Bell.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Cartoon Art Trust (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Under-18s, Museum Friends, Art Fund members, London Pass holders and carers accompanying another visitor enter free; Friends and Art Fund members show proof of membership at the desk without booking. Tickets can be booked in advance or bought on the day.

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

The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, and a lift gives step-free access from street level. Wheelchairs can be used in both galleries and in the accessible toilet. A hearing loop is fitted at the front desk. Large-print labels cover the main gallery, and magnifying glasses can be borrowed. Free sensory backpacks for autistic and neurodivergent visitors, learning-disabled visitors and visitors with anxiety can be borrowed at the front desk, and a short access comic and an online route video help with planning a visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

School-holiday workshops for children aged 8 to 14 cost £15 unless stated, and need advance booking. The museum also offers workshops for families and schools, free online resources for young comic makers and an access comic that explains what to expect. Under-18s enter free, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Birthday parties can be held in the learning studio.

Getting there & parking

There are bike racks and a Santander Cycles dock on Wells Street. what3words: serve.acted.prefer.

Amenities & dining

There are three gender-neutral toilets, one of them accessible. Free Wi-Fi is listed only for the hireable learning studio.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

The whole museum (two galleries and the Clore Learning Studio) holds up to 120 guests, and the studio holds 30 for meetings or workshops or 45 theatre-style. Birthday parties, workshops and away days are possible in the studio.

Plan your visit