Florence Nightingale Museum
London, Greater London
About Florence Nightingale Museum
Welcome to the Florence Nightingale Museum, a place dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of one of history's most influential women. Located in the heart of London, this museum and tourist attraction offers a captivating journey into the extraordinary life of Florence Nightingale. A well known figure in nursing history and who is seen as the founder of modern nursing. Through interactive displays and exhibits, personal artifacts, and extensive collection of letters and books. We think it really brings history to life.Visitors can immerse themselves in the remarkable story of a woman who revolutionised the field of healthcare and is an inspiration to nurses everywhere.
Things to do for families
Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted with a timeline of Florence Nightingale's fascinating life story. Taking you on a journey starting from her birth in 1820, through her Victorian childhood, nursing career and ending in her death in 1910. The timeline highlights key events and milestones that shaped her career and showcases Florence's dedication as an ardent campaigner for improving healthcare practices.
Travel back in time
One of the highlights of the museum is a recreation of Nightingale's famous nursing ward during the Crimean War. Visitors can step into this immersive exhibit, and experience what it was like to work alongside this female icon during this challenging time. We think children will love feeling like they have travelled back in time. See an amazing collection of artefacts that help to tell the tale of her career in medicine. Visitors can learn about her tireless efforts to improve sanitation, implement proper medical practices, and provide compassionate care to wounded soldiers. You'll be shocked at how medical care used to be!
Making learning fun
The museum also houses a collection of personal artifacts belonging to Florence Nightingale, including her nursing cap and famous lamp that she regularly used during the Crimean War. You’ll also get the chance to peek into Florence Nightingale's medicine chest and see the mix of medicines she used.
Enjoy an educational day out with the kids in London at the Florence Nightingale Museum. Kids will be captivated by an inside look into the life of the most famous nurse in the world and discover the story of the little girl who grew up to make such huge contributions to nursing. There is an events programme which runs throughout the year including changing exhibitions and informative talks.
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Why we recommend Florence Nightgale Musuem
Discover the fascinating story of Florence Nightingale
See rare artefacts from Florence Nightingale's life
Interactive exhibits
Bring your kids’ learning to life
Engaging activities
The Florence Nightingale Museum offers engaging activities for children of all ages. Everyday, Family Trails are available to provide a fun way to explore the whole museum and is full of searching, writing, and drawing. Each section within the museum itself contains an interactive activity basket, along with audio, video, and tactile experiences.
The museum is in full swing when is comes to school holidays. Every half-term the museum offers a different themed hands-on, make-and-take craft and experience.
Thoughout the year character performances by both Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole are held regularly to allow children to hear the stories like never before. This experience allows people to interact directly with these historical figures and experience history in an exciting way.
Meet Florence Nightingale & Mary Seacole
The Florence Nightingale Museum offers visitors two enthralling character performances routinely throughout the year!
Join us and meet Florence Nightingale in person! Find out how Miss Nightingale became known as the “Lady with the Lamp”, how she became a nurse, why she went to the Crimea, and how she improved the conditions for the soldiers and nurses. Hear her story in her own words and you can even take a selfie with her!
Join us and meet Mary Seacole! Hear the story of her life and work. Seacole will tell you all about how she helped soldiers during the Crimean War and how she became known as 'Mother Seacole'. Be transported back in time with this live performance and experience her story like never before!
Performances are free with admission and last approximately 30 minutes.
For dates and times of performances please refer to the websites events page or contact the museum for more information.
The Lady with the Lamp
The Florence Nightingale Museum boasts a large and significant collection relating to life and times of Florence Nightingale.
Visitors are able to see her famous lamp, called a fanoose, which earned her the immortal nickname of 'Lady with the Lamp'. You are also able to meet Athena, the owl whom Nightingale rescued and carried around everywhere inside special pockets sewn into all her skirts. You will see many additional items actually owned by Florence Nightingale including her medical chest and writing desk, which she used when writing Notes on Hospitals and other works.
Childern are also able to dress up as nurses throughout history in the museums dress up station. They can become Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, or a modern day nurse in this imagnative station.
Lastly, to bring the Victorian Era alive, the museum offers daily object handling sessions to the public as well. This give children the opportunity to directly engage with real Victorian artifacts and recieve context for the era of Florence Nightingale. Check the blackboard when entering for times of handling sessions.
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Wheelchair Friendly
Dog Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, Closed
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 17:00
Last entry 4.30pm
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-16) : £6.00
- Adult (17-18+) : £12.00
General AdmissionUnder 5's: Free
Students (with valid school ID): £7Concessions: £10Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £30
Art Fund Adult/Student (with valid Art Fund card): 50% off full price
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Florence Nightingale Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Contact Details
2 Lambeth Palace Road, Lambeth
London
Greater London
SE1 7EP
England
The Museum is a short walk from Waterloo tube/station and Westminster tube. We are located in the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital (on the corner of Westminster Bridge and Lambeth Palace Road) and you can reach us via the pavement to the hospital car park level. Once in hospital grounds follow signage to be directed to the museum.
Tel: 0207 188 4400
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