Museums At Night: 10 Events To Check Out

The Museums of London welcome you to explore their halls after dark in this years’ event, Museums at Night. Now spending the night in a museum might sound like a crazy suggestion – but take it from us, this is something you do not want to miss. This event offers an unparalleled opportunity to get to grips with London’s many incredible museums, in unique and exciting ways.

Dickens After Dark

Museum

An event for which we are particularly giddy, the Dickens After Dark experience is what you get when the Charles Dickens Museum and the Museums at Night unite. Indulge in the readings of one of the world’s most influential writers as the former home of the author opens its doors to greet visitors with readings of Dickens’ infamous books, classic film screenings and many other surprises. Make your way over and have your night of all things Victorian.

Museum Mile Walking Tour

Put on your comfortable shoes for a roundup of five museums on the museum mile at the Museum Mile Walking Tour. The lineup includes the Cartoon Museum, the Brunei Gallery, the Petrie Museum, the UCL Rock Room and finally, the British Museum. With no cost of admission, don’t miss out on this chance to explore all five establishments all in just one day.

Put that light out! At Firepower – The Royal Artillery Museum

Museum

Lock and load for a night full of exciting activities at the Firepower Museum. Craft your own military medal, take a tour of the world wars and fire a rocket all in one night, right in time for supper, also given at the venue. Take part in traditional ceremonies such as the Sunset ceremony to lower the flag and sing WW2 campfire songs accompanied by a warm mug of hot chocolate before hunkering down on the floors of the museum for the night.

Dunkirk Little Ships 75th Anniversary Festival at London’s Royal Dock

Park

Join in on an historical event, with over 20 Dunkirk little ships gathering at the Royal Docks of London at the Royal Victoria Dock. Make sure you catch the Little Ship “Silver Queen” that will offer twilight trips around the docks. Definitely an unmissable event for any sailing enthusiasts, who will get a chance to step aboard some of the historical ships at the docks.

Museums At Night Family Sleepover: Expedition to Iceland at William Morris Gallery

Art Gallery, Museum

Never been to Iceland? Who needs to with this amazing experience coming to town? The William Morris Gallery hosts an ‘Expedition to Iceland’ in which visitors are welcomed to camp the night out in the gallery of triple rainbows, lava fields and all the natural beauty that Iceland has to offer.

Catrin Finch at the London Canal Museum

Museum

Feast your ears on a performance by world-renowned classical harpist, Catrin Finch at the London Canal Museum. This show will be performed in support of the charity WaterAid and is a once in a lifetime experience to hear the strums of a world-famous harpist, followed by a lantern show accompanied by Victorian slides.

Vignette performances at Fulham Palace

Museum

Another great event for the all music lovers out there is the Vignette performances at Fulham Palace. Be taken back in time with the classical sounds of artists of a number of genres. Indulge in drinks while you listen to historical instruments and pieces from the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras. A night you do not want to miss!

Nature Late at the Horniman Museum and Gardens

Aquarium, Forest, Hill Station, Museum

The Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill, Southeast London, England, United Kingdom

Calling all fans of fauna and flora, you are all in for a treat. Come visit the Museum and Gardens of Horniman Museum after hours for a night of reflection on the world around us through an exhibition titled the Nature Late. See how contemporary artists have used 1920’s nature films, electronic music, and street artists painting wildlife among many other pieces to explore what the world around us really looks like.

Late Night Keats

Museum

Immerse yourself in a world of buried paths and twilight dreams at the Late Night Keats event at Keats’ very own home. With attractions such as shadow puppetry, silhouettes and the Georgian villa itself- be transported into the wonderful world of Keats and all things poetry, literature and the history of it all.

UCL Museum Murder History

Building, Museum, University

Skeletons of extinct animals are on display at the Grant Museum of Zoology

Fulfil all of your detective work fantasies by solving a murder case at the Grant Museum of Zoology at University College London. Come in dressed for the part, as you will have the opportunity to solve a mystery Sherlock style. Team up with five others to compete for prizes, bragging rights and of course, for the best-dressed detective.

About the author

Biya Haq

Biya Haq has an extreme case of wanderlust that has brought her to London for the summer. She loves all things cultural, edible, musical and did we say edible? Going into her fourth year at Rutgers University in New Jersey she is a journalism and media studies student with a passion for writing, travelling and eating.