Foundling Museum

The Foundling Museum stands as a beacon of cultural and social change, dedicated to celebrating the stories of individuals in care and those who support them. Established on a rich 300-year history, we combine historical collections with contemporary art to inspire transformative experiences for diverse audiences. Our mission is rooted in the belief that art can drive social progress, a principle championed by 18th-century figures like William Hogarth, George Frideric Handel, and Thomas Coram, whose legacies continue to shape our work. Through artist-led learning programmes, we empower vulnerable young people, offering them creative opportunities to engage with our collections and develop new skills. Our galleries house significant works from Hogarth and his contemporaries alongside pieces by modern artists such as Grayson Perry and Yinka Shonibare, creating a dialogue between past and present.

As an independent charity, we rely on public support to maintain free access for under-21s and deliver impactful exhibitions and educational initiatives. The museum occupies a historic 1930s building in Bloomsbury, once the headquarters of a children's charity, where visitors explore four floors of original Foundling Hospital features. We host dynamic temporary exhibitions, including music-focused displays that highlight Handel's enduring influence through his iconic Hallelujah Chorus. Our venue hire services provide unique spaces for events, combining 18th-century grandeur with modern functionality in central London's cultural quarter. Recognised with the 2022 Learning Programme of the Year award, we remain committed to being as radical and relevant as the stories we tell.