Monday, 2 December 2024

Horniman Museum and Gardens - What's On in December

Festive treats and gifts

Horniman Market Seasonal Special

Sunday 8 December, 10am-3pm

We are hosting extra stalls full of delicious festive food and treats, and you'll also find handmade gifts from local designers and makers, all in addition to our regular providers selling your weekly essentials.

Winner of Best Market at the Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards 2024

Please note the Horniman Market will be closed on 29 December and 5 January for the festive period.

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Free events

Family Craft Saturdays

Saturday 7 and 14 December, 2-4pm

Make and decorate wintry ornaments to take home in these fun craft sessions.

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Hear it Live!

Thursday 12 December, 3.30-4pm

Enjoy an acoustic performance of Afrobeats and Amapiano by members of the Love and Afrobeats Orchestra.

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Free displays

Out of Context

Opens 6 December 2024

Photographs, illustrations and AI-generated images by contemporary West African and diaspora artists explore the evolving perceptions of West African cultural practice.

Out of Context is curated by Yellowzine - a London-based collective that celebrates and amplifies the work of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority artists.

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The Great Kingdom of Benin

Now open

This new permanent display highlights the rich history of the Kingdom, centred around Benin City in modern day Edo State in southern Nigeria. It features new artworks by school pupils in Benin City and Edo artists including a bronze sculpture, film and soundscape, and 24 objects on loan from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria.

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Celebrating our Members and Benefactors

Members' and Benefactors' Week

2-8 December 2024

We are celebrating our amazing supporters with special events, an extra discount in all Horniman shops, and a prize draw to win a stuffed walrus toy if you buy a Gift Membership (we’ll send one to the Gift recipient as well!).

The support of Horniman Members and Benefactors makes a big difference in helping us continue to care for our collections and Gardens. In return Members enjoy a year of discovery and inspiration, with free and unlimited entry to our Aquarium, Butterfly House and temporary exhibitions.

Not a Member yet? Join today!

Seasonal updates

Seasonal Opening Times

The Museum, Café and Butterfly House are open every day except 24-26 December. Please see our website for up-to-date opening times.

For winter walks, the Gardens are open until 4.20pm for the rest of the year and will only be closed on Christmas Day.

We wish you a happy and peaceful festive period with your loved ones.

Plan your visit

The Enchanted Cinema

3, 4 and 5 January 2025

Tickets are now available for the rescheduled January performances of The Enchanted Cinema.

Enjoy a fun interactive cinema experience with your family using instruments, hands and voices to create the sound effects to well-loved animated films.

Limited tickets available.

Book now

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Natural History Pop-up

Now open

A fresh look at a few familiar and unique specimens from the Horniman’s much-loved natural history collection, highlighting the amazing diversity of life on Earth. Also, look out for a selection of songbirds and seashells in the Music Gallery.

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