Our Story - Foundling Museum
Source: https://foundlingmuseum.org.uk/our-story
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:33
Our Story - Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum is the only cultural institution in the UK to celebrate people who have been in care, and all those who care for them.
We are a contemporary museum with unique collections of art, music, writing and emotive objects that stretch back to the 18th century.
Our mission is to inspire change through the power of the arts. We work with outstanding contemporary artists, writers and musicians to ensure that leading artists continue to be part of the story of care. At the heart of our work is our award-winning arts training programme with young people who have been in care, along with arts and wellbeing activities with early years children, families and local communities.
The Museum begins with the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery, supported by leading 18th-century artists. Across the four floors of our 1930s building, formerly the headquarters of the children’s charity, you can see many original features from the 18th century Foundling Hospital. Visit us to explore compelling stories of love, loss and care, see work by outstanding contemporary artists, plus explore our ever-changing programmes of exhibitions, displays and events.
Discover what you'll see during a visit
Highlight
Explore the local area
We're lucky to sit in the heart of Bloomsbury, a cultural hub in central London.
Find out more
Support Us
With your support we can continue to offer art and music workshops for young children, work with vulnerable and marginalised young people, and realise our vibrant programme of exhibitions.
Other amount
Explore our collections
Our Art & Objects
Explore
History
What is a Foundling?
Our work with artists
Royal Patronage
Past Exhibitions & Projects
A seaman, a composer and a painter, and the moving story of the charity they started 270 years ago. It is a recipe of art and care, which still looks after kids today. Coram, Handel, Hogarth, what’s not to love?
Grayson Perry CBE
Support Us
Help make a difference
Without the support of generous individuals and organisations, we would be unable to display our Collections, realise our vibrant temporary exhibitions, or run our many learning programmes for vulnerable and marginalised young people.
£5
£10
£25
£50
£100
Stay connected
Subscribe to our newsletter
Mailchimp Email Newsletter Sign Up
Visit Us
What’s On
Our Story
Our Art & Objects
Learning & Participation
Support Us
Venue Hire
Shop
Subscribe to our newsletter
What's on today
Open 10am — 5pm
Exhibitions & Displays
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
The Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Concerts
Handel’s Heroines: Lucy Crowe OBE, Bridget Cunningham & London Early Opera
23 Apr 2026
Book your tickets
Adult ticket £14.50 (£13.50 online), reduced price and free tickets available.
Book tickets
Enjoy free entry for
a
year with your ticket
.
Save £1 by booking online.
Please note: some events require separate tickets. Check the event page for details.
The Foundling Museum is the only cultural institution in the UK to celebrate people who have been in care, and all those who care for them.
We are a contemporary museum with unique collections of art, music, writing and emotive objects that stretch back to the 18th century.
Our mission is to inspire change through the power of the arts. We work with outstanding contemporary artists, writers and musicians to ensure that leading artists continue to be part of the story of care. At the heart of our work is our award-winning arts training programme with young people who have been in care, along with arts and wellbeing activities with early years children, families and local communities.
The Museum begins with the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery, supported by leading 18th-century artists. Across the four floors of our 1930s building, formerly the headquarters of the children’s charity, you can see many original features from the 18th century Foundling Hospital. Visit us to explore compelling stories of love, loss and care, see work by outstanding contemporary artists, plus explore our ever-changing programmes of exhibitions, displays and events.
Discover what you'll see during a visit
Highlight
Explore the local area
We're lucky to sit in the heart of Bloomsbury, a cultural hub in central London.
Find out more
Support Us
With your support we can continue to offer art and music workshops for young children, work with vulnerable and marginalised young people, and realise our vibrant programme of exhibitions.
Other amount
Explore our collections
Our Art & Objects
Explore
History
What is a Foundling?
Our work with artists
Royal Patronage
Past Exhibitions & Projects
A seaman, a composer and a painter, and the moving story of the charity they started 270 years ago. It is a recipe of art and care, which still looks after kids today. Coram, Handel, Hogarth, what’s not to love?
Grayson Perry CBE
Support Us
Help make a difference
Without the support of generous individuals and organisations, we would be unable to display our Collections, realise our vibrant temporary exhibitions, or run our many learning programmes for vulnerable and marginalised young people.
£5
£10
£25
£50
£100
Stay connected
Subscribe to our newsletter
Mailchimp Email Newsletter Sign Up
Visit Us
What’s On
Our Story
Our Art & Objects
Learning & Participation
Support Us
Venue Hire
Shop
Subscribe to our newsletter
What's on today
Open 10am — 5pm
Exhibitions & Displays
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
The Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Concerts
Handel’s Heroines: Lucy Crowe OBE, Bridget Cunningham & London Early Opera
23 Apr 2026
Book your tickets
Adult ticket £14.50 (£13.50 online), reduced price and free tickets available.
Book tickets
Enjoy free entry for
a
year with your ticket
.
Save £1 by booking online.
Please note: some events require separate tickets. Check the event page for details.