A stunning new museum in London will cost £450 million and feature live trains, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors.
London: A brand new museum is on the way. It’s going to cost a whopping £450 million. And guess what? Live trains will actually zip through the galleries!
The Museum of London is moving from the Barbican to some old market buildings in Smithfield. It will go back to its original name, the London Museum.
Originally, the budget was £337 million. But it has jumped by 30% since 2022, now sitting at £437 million. Quite a leap, right?
The part of the museum in the 19th-century General Market building is set to open in 2026. But the section in Smithfield’s Poultry Market might take until 2028. That’s two years later than planned!
Sharon Ament, the museum director, is excited. She said they’re working hard to create a world-class museum for London.
Mayor Sadiq Khan and the City of London Corporation have pledged an extra £50 million. This brings Khan’s total to £95 million and the Corporation’s to £222 million.
The museum aims to raise £100 million on its own. So far, they’ve secured £45 million through donations and sponsorships.
In September, they mentioned looking into “green loan opportunities” to cover the last £20 million needed to hit that £437 million goal.
Christopher Hayward from the City of London Corporation believes this museum will be a key cultural and economic hub for the city.
Khan expressed pride in being part of this exciting project. The museum promises to preserve the historic Smithfield Market buildings for future generations.
Some highlights will include a new home for the Cheapside Hoard and a contemporary gallery featuring items collected during the pandemic. Plus, it’ll be the only museum in the world with live trains running through it!
