Museums

December 25 2024

A Museum Dedicated to Optical Illusions – Twist Museum

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Immerse into a unique multi-sensory experience that will twist your perception of the world. How do we sense colours, shapes, heat, smells, locations, textures, sounds….? How can we be sure that we are sensing what’s actually happening? Twist Museum explores the science behind those questions and invites visitors for a multi-sensory journey while igniting curiosity.

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[BLOG POST IN BIO] How do we sense colours, shapes, heat, smells, locations, textures, sounds….? 👁️👃🏻👂🏻How can we be sure that we are sensing what’s actually happening? @Twist Museum explores the science behind those questions and invites visitors for a multi-sensory journey while igniting curiosity 🧑‍⚕️The museum has been developed in collaboration with artists, mathematicians, neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers 📍 248 Oxford St, London W1C 1DH #twistmuseum #twistmuseumlondon #dayoutwiththekids #familydayout #familyfuntime

♬ Alibi (with Pabllo Vittar & Yseult) – Sevdaliza & Pabllo Vittar & Yseult

Twist Museum

Twist Museum London

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Launched in 2022 in Oxford Street, Twist Museum combines science and art to challenge our senses and how we experience the world around us.

The word TWIST is an acronym that stands for “The Way I See Things”.

Twist Museum is a real playground for the mind with immersive rooms, interactive experiences, and amazing optical illusions, encouraging visitors to want to learn more about how our brain interprets reality.

Do we always know which way is up and which way is down? Can we see colours where there is none? Can we tell if the water is hot or cold by just the sound of it being poured? Are we sensing the same as the person next to us?

What to Expect at Twist Museum

Human Kaleidoscope at Twist Museum London

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There are fun human kaleidoscopes that require two people to look inside at the same time. When looking, you will see the other person being part of the kaleidoscope.

There are infinity cubes that, upon seeing inside them, seem like stretching to the infinity to all direction.

There is a 500 year old painting from the 16^th century with a hidden object that can only be seen from a certain angle.

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There is a distorted room in which you feel like you were in a video game.

In another room, you seem like a giant or shrink to very small depending on which corner you’re standing.

Another room will instantly make you feel dizzy as soon as you step in by seemingly no reason.

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There are also audio illusions, an immersive room that projects intricate patterns by sensing you moving, a scanning room where you can create your own 3D hologram version and download it, and so much more!

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To maximise your experience, make sure you take time to learn and understand how each of the illusion works.

Developed with Artists and Scientists

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Twist Museum is more than just a museum of fun optical illusions.

The museum has been developed in collaboration with artists, mathematicians, neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers.

The museum is working with Professor Fiona Macpherson at the University of Glasgow where she is Director of the Centre of the Study of Perceptual Experience. She is a member of Academia Europaea and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2017.

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Twist Museum has also worked with Dr. Kōkichi Sugihara, a Japanese mathematician and artist, who is known as a ‘master of illusion’. He is a professor at Meiji University and has won Best Illusion of the Year on multiply occasions.

Matt Elson’s awe-inspiring immersive creations have been exhibited at events, such as Google Lobby, Burning Man to Sotheby’s and Las Vegas’ Area 15.

Professor Nicholas Wade is a British psychologist and academic who is specialised in the complexities of human vision and perception. He is studying how we understand space and motion and exploring the history of visual science.

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Odeith is a Portuguese self-taught street artist known for his unique 3D technique that makes his murals seem protruding, floating or emerging from the walls.

See the full list of the artists and scientists Twist Museum has partnered with here.

New Exhibit for Christmas

Image Source: twistmuseum.com

A brand new exhibit opened for Christmas!

‘Colour Flip Room’ will really twist your senses. You will step into a black-and-white room, but if you look at the mirrors you are transported into the most colourful cartoon-like universe. How is that possible? Visit Twist Museum to find out.

Practical Info

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Address

Twist Museum | 248 Oxford St, London W1C 1DH

Tickets

Tickets are available on Twist Museum’s official website.

You can pre-book a time slot or buy a ‘Flexi-ticket’ that allows you to use your ticket any time on the day.

Tickets are also available at the door, however, it’s subject to availability and does not guarantee immediate entry.

How long does it take to complete my visit?

You can expect your visit to last between 45 and 60 minutes depending on how much time you spend to look, listen, think and experience.

Free lockers available

Free lockers are available for those who’d prefer to enjoy the museum without their bag and coat.

Ready for your next adventure? Battersea Power Station has partnered with stop motion animation studio, Aardman, behind the beloved Wallace & Gromit animation film and created a larger-than-life free Christmas light show projected on the river-facing side of the power station.

December 15 2024

Tim Burton-Inspired Afternoon Tea at Harvey Nichols

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Luxury department store, Harvey Nichols have partnered with Design Museum’s popular exhibition, ‘The World of Tim Burton’ and launched a gothic Tim Burton-inspired afternoon tea experience for a very limited time.

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🖤 [BLOG POST IN BIO] Tim Burton-inspired afternoon tea at Harvey Nichols 🖤 🎄🖤 Harvey Nichols have transformed the traditional afternoon tea into an eerie yet playful celebration of the festive season 🎄♠️The Tim Burton-inspired gothic afternoon tea blends Burton’s spooky whimsical wonderland and Christmas magic #timburton #theworldoftimburton #afternoontea #timburtonstyle #harveynichols

♬ Ice Dance – Danny Elfman

Harvey Nichols x The World of Tim Burton

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Harvey Nichols have partnered with ‘The World of Tim Burton’ exhibition at the Design Museum to celebrate gothic elegance and festive cheer with exclusive window display and a themed afternoon tea.

Harvey Nichols’ Knightsbridge store is famous for their whimsical festive window displays.

This year, in partnership with the Design Museum, they launched a curious red and black window display showcasing the world-famous director’s sculptures borrowed from Burton’s personal collection.

Learn more about Harvey Nichols’ Tim Burton-inspired festive window display here.

Tim Burton-Inspired Afternoon Tea

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Harvey Nichols have transformed the traditional afternoon tea into an eerie yet playful celebration of the festive season. The Tim Burton-inspired gothic afternoon tea blends Burton’s spooky whimsical wonderland and Christmas magic.

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The afternoon tea serves sweet and savoury sandwiches, cakes and snacks, including white Celeriac and Mushroom Soup served with black mushroom gel stripes, mini Chicken Pie with Purple Potato Puree and Roast Beef, Truffle Cheese, Horseradish, Truffle Pecorino Sandwich served with charcoal bread and delicious bites.

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For sweets, they serve black Christmas baubles with edible glitter, blood orange curd crémeux & Christmas pudding mousse, tea & biscuit teapot cake filled with Harvey Nichols Breakfast Tea mousse and tea gel, peppermint candy cane macaron and white chocolate cinnamon gingerbread bonbons.

And, of course, the classic homemade raisin and plain scones, served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam.

The afternoon tea comes with tea or coffee of your choice. Alternatively, you can opt for a glass of Champagne (that’s extra charge).

Explore the whole menu here.

Practical Info

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The afternoon tea is available until the 28^th December 2024 at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge and OXO Tower.

Price

£40 per person OR £50 per person with a glass of Champagne

Ready for your next adventure? If you’re a fan of Tim Burton, ‘The World of Tim Burton’ exhibition is a must-visit at Design Museum. The exhibition is open until the 21^st April 2025 and features original sketches, character ideas, movie costumes and props and much more!

August 13 2024

London Transport Museum’s Canteen is Built Out of Real Memorabilia from Tube Stations

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Mind the Gap! London Transport Museum’s café, Canteen, is more than just an ordinary café within the museum’s shop. From the wooden benches to the signs, tiles and posters, everything is original and reclaimed from the Underground.

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Mind the Gap! 🚇 [BLOG POST IN BIO] @London Transport Museum café, Canteen, is more than just an ordinary café within the museum’s shop Did you know that from the wooden benches to the signs, tiles and posters, everything is original and reclaimed from London tube stations? 🚉 For example, there are original tiles from Sloan Square and light fittings originally planned to be installed at Embarkment station 🚥 @Covent Garden #londontransportmuseum #londonhotspots #transportforlondon #museumlondon #coventgarden #mindthegap #londonunderground #londontiktok #CapCut

♬ Soulful Strut – Shogo Hamada & The J.S. Inspirations

Mind the Gap and Grab that Insta Moment

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London Transport Museum’s café, Canteen, is named after the static and mobile canteens used to cater the staff during the 1940s and 1950s.

The café’s interior is celebrating the changing design of London transport by using original furnishing and furniture once used at stations all over London.

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There are original tiles from Sloan Square and light fittings originally planned to be installed at Embarkment station.

The wooden benches were found in the basement of Wembley Park and Gloucester Road, while the original posters and maps once helped passengers find their way at different stations all over the city.

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There are also luggage racks from 1960s A stock trains.

The signs you can see all over the café are all reclaimed from the Underground.

Mind the Bite!

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Park your bum on one of the glorious moquette seats and explore the food and drink offerings.

The menu has a range of hot and cold meals, including soup of the day, sandwiches, Great British specials, such as all day English Breakfast and fish & chips, as well as salads.

Vegan and vegetarian options also available.

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They also have the cutest kids’ meal in the fridge. The meal comes in an adorable London Transport Museum-themed box and contains a sandwich, a drink and some snacks.

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The highlights on the menu are definitely the Underground-themed cocktails. There are two cocktails: ‘Routemaster’ and Elizabeth Line’, and a mocktail: ‘Central Line’ on the menu.

Bonus point to the Canteen for being breastfeeding friendly.

London Transport Museum Canteen is on the first floor of the shop and open to all. Make sure you a pay visit next time you’re in Covent Garden and travel back in time while sitting on a moquette seat surrounded with all those memorabilia.

Ready for your next adventure? Covent Garden is taken over by cute smiling inflatable clouds. The installation is on display at Covent Garden Piazza to deliver joy and happiness this Summer.

August 7 2024

New Interactive Exhibition to Enjoy with Kids at NOW Gallery – ‘Up in Smoke’

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Celebrating the industrial history of Greenwich Peninsula in a colourful way, a new exciting exhibition opened at NOW Gallery: ‘Up in Smoke’ is showcasing five vibrant installation of chimneys and you can climb them and peer through them.

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Fun day out with kids 👧🧒 [BLOG POST IN BIO] NOW Gallery: ‘Up in Smoke’ exhibition is showcasing five vibrant installation of chimneys @NOW Gallery Visitors can climb the chimneys, go inside them and peer through them 👀 You can also design your own colourful chimney on the spot ✂️🖍️🎨 📍NOW Gallery | Soames Walk, London SE10 0SQ 📆 Until 22 September 🎟️ Free #nowgallery #dayoutwiththekids #familydayout #familytime #kidsactivities #exhibition #funtime

♬ A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay

‘Up in Smoke’

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NOW Gallery is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, and to mark this milestone, they have teamed up with designer-architect duo John Booth and Mat Barnes from CAN (architecture and ideas studio) to transform the gallery into a vibrant, colourful and interactive installation, kids and grown-ups can equally enjoy.

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Climb, peek, colour and design!

‘Up in Smoke’ is a fully interactive exhibition, featuring supercharged chimneys that visitors can climb, go inside and peek through them.

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Visitors also have the opportunity to express themselves by creating their own chimney artworks.

There’s everything you need from templates to scissors, pencils and glue to express yourself and create your very own chimney design.

No skills needed. Simply sit down and enjoy yourself.

Celebrating the Historic Skyline of Greenwich Peninsula

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The 5 reimagined chimneys are representing the diverse history of Greenwich Peninsula. One of the chimneys represent the Powder magazine which was used to store gunpowder in the 18^th century, while more slender tubes represent modern gasworks, others look like those we often see on the roofs of terrace houses.

Despite technological and industrial advances, chimneys still define our collective silhouette of a city, and they can be found in any child drawings of a house.

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‘Up in Smoke’ combines John Booth’s playful, colourful design aesthetic and Mat Barnes fresh, outside-from-the-box approach to architecture.

Chimneys are something we all link to the view of a city, and they hold a collective romanticised position on how we view and inhabit the city.

Practical Info

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Address

NOW Gallery | Soames Walk, London SE10 0SQ

Opening Times

21 June – 22 Sept 2024

Mon: CLOSED

Tue to Fri: 10am – 7pm

Sat: 10am – 5pm

Sun: 11am – 4pm

Tickets

FREE | Booking recommended. You can book your time slot on Eventbrite

Ready for your next adventure? Check out Harry Styles famous silver outfit at Somerset House’s new pay-what-you-can exhibition, ‘The Lore of LOVERBOY’.

July 31 2024

New Jurassic Garden Opened at Natural History Museum

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As part of a £3 million Urban Nature Project, Natural History Museum transformed their gardens into two prehistoric gardens.

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🌿🦕[BLOG POST IN BIO] Natural History Museum transformed their gardens into prehistoric gardens The gardens feature: 🦕 A 22m-long and 4m-high bronze Diplodocus skeleton 🧬 An Evolution Garden that transports visitors 2.7 billion years back in time 🐚 An ammonite pavement 🔬 A living laboratory …and much more! @Natural History Museum London #naturalhistorymuseum #dinosaurs #jurassic #jurassicpark #fossils #familydayout #dayoutwithkids #londonlife #londonadventures #CapCut

♬ At Jurassic World’s End Credits / Suite – Michael Giacchino

Connect, Learn and Cherish the Nature

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Natural History Museum has rebuilt its five acres garden for the first time in 140 years to open an urban oasis in the heart of the city where people can connect, learn and cherish the nature.

The large green space features a Jurassic Garden with a 22m-long and 4m-high bronze Diplodocus skeleton, an Evolution Garden that transports visitors 2.7 billion years back in time, an ammonite pavement, a living laboratory and much more!

There are two gardens for visitors to enjoy: The Evolution Garden and the Nature Discovery Garden.

The Evolution Garden

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Visitors entering the garden from the Exhibition Road exit from South Kensington Station will find themselves deep in a canyon of two robust ancient stones. The two heavy rocks have been built using blocks collected from all over the UK.

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The canyon guides visitors through the evolution of life starting 2.7 billion years ago and frames the view of a prehistoric forest with its magnificent species flourished millions of years ago.

“You travel 5 million years every metre.” – says Dr Paul Kendrick, lead scientist of The Evolution Garden.

While walking, make sure you keep your eyes open because there are many things to discover on the walls of the rocks, among the ferns and even under your feet.

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The interactive garden allows visitors to learn interesting facts about ancient plants and animals and touch footprints, Trilobite shells or the columns of prehistoric trees once inhabited our planet.

Further down there is the main attraction of the garden: a life-size bronze skeleton of ‘Fern’ the Diplodocus.

‘Fern’ is a replica of Natural History Museum’s famous ‘Dippy’ who used to stand in the main hall of the museum. ‘Fern’ is more anatomically accurate thanks to the advance technology and skilled 3D artists, engineers and modellers. Plus, ‘Fern’ is made from bronze, which is weatherproof, so he can tower above the us in the garden without getting damaged by the weather.

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There are other, smaller skeletons, bronze dinosaur skulls, fossils and footprints to discover all over the garden leading visitors to the dawn of human civilisation and the modern world.

Nature Discovery Garden

Nature Discovery Garden is showcasing the biodiversity that can be found all over the UK’s urban spaces today.

In this garden, visitors can explore how nature thrive in wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and in modern urban spaces in present day.

Nature Discovery Garden is dotted around scientific sensors to gather environmental DNA and acoustic data (bird singing, bats, traffic noise etc.) to understand and protect urban nature, making the garden the most intensively studied urban sites of its kind.

The data collected is curated and processed with Natural History Museum’s new Data Ecosystem to help support the UK’s urban nature recovery and sustainability.

Guided Tours and Summer Family Activities

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Visitors can explore the new gardens on their own, but they can participate in an immersive 1hr guided tour to learn more about our evolutionary history by following the footsteps of the past.

Tickets can be booked here.

Throughout the Summer holiday the museum is running a bunch of fun family activities, including nature-themed arts and crafts, pond explore tours, family nature talks, ‘meet the scientist’ events and much more.

And the best part is, most of the activities are free!

Discover all the available Summer family activities here.

Natural History Museum’s new interactive gardens provide a perfect space for families to explore, socialise, play, and relax while enjoying the beauty of the nature and nurture their curiosity.

The Nature Activity Centre and the Garden Kitchen will open later in 2024.

Ready for your next adventure? Now that you walked through the evolution timeline on Earth, embark on an epic journey to our closest celestial neighbour: the Moon. Learn about the Apollo Mission and experience the Moon landing during an immersive 360 degree experience. The Moonwalkers immersive experience is open until 13 October 2024.

July 12 2024

Barbie®: The Exhibition – The Design Museum

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Major exhibition opened at The Design Museum London to celebrate one of the most iconic dolls in the world. Barbie®: The Exhibition is exploring the evolution of the renowned Barbie brand, featuring over 250 items.

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???????? [BLOG POST IN BIO] Hi Barbie! Come with me to the Barbie exhibition at The Design Museum London ???? Barbara Millicent Roberts is celebrating her 65th anniversary this hear and this major exhibition has taken three years for @the Design Museum to bring it to life ???? Barbie®: The Exhibition is exploring the evolution of the renowned Barbie brand, featuring over 250 items ????️ Including the first Barbie released in 1959. If you’ve seen the Barbie movie, you’ll recognise it instantly ???? @mattel #barbietheexhibition #barbie #hibarbie #barbieexhibition #mattel #designmuseumlondon #barbiedoll #exhibition #londontiktok #CapCut

♬ Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) – Dua Lipa

How It All Started

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Barbie was a creation of Ruth Handler, a co-founder and first president of the Mattel toy company.

In the early 1950s Ruth identified a gap in the market while observing her daughter, Barbara, as playing with paper dolls. Ruth noticed that what little girls really wanted was to be ‘bigger girls.’

Dolls of the 1950s looked like babies, socialising girls to get marry and have children to take care of as adults. Ruth realised that a new doll with adult body and glamourous accessories could offer new flexible ways for girls to play.

Ruth had to convince Mattel’s male executives that a fashion doll was a product worth developing because those executives had concerns that parents would have never bought a doll with mature female figure for their children.

The rest is history.

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Barbie has become one the best-selling dolls worldwide. During its 65 years of success, she had more than 260 careers, at least 50 different houses, and influenced emotional development of generations of kids, shaped fashion, design and furniture.

The best-selling Barbie doll was the 1992’s ‘Totally Hair Barbie’ which was sold over 10 million across the globe.

Happy Birthday Barbie!

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Barbara Millicent Roberts is celebrating her 65^th anniversary and this major exhibition has taken three years for The Design Museum to bring it to life, meaning they were busy with the curation long before the Barbie movie released.

To create the exhibition, The Design Museum was granted special access to the Barbie archives in California.

Hi Barbie!

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Your journey at The Design Museum’s Barbie exhibition starts with a rare first edition Barbie doll released by Mattel in 1959. This was called, ‘Number 1 Barbie’ and this is the one that first appears in the Barbie movie (portrayed by Margo Robbie) in the first few minutes.

It features long golden hair and black-and-white bathing suite.

This Barbie doll was marketed as a ‘Teen Age Fashion Model’. The doll came with glamourous accessories, such as earrings and a pair of fashion sunglasses. Her hairstyle was associated with young actors, like Sandra Dee.

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There is dark room showcasing all the different head and body shapes of Barbie, displaying the dolls behind rainbow-coloured windows.

We also learn that pink wasn’t always Barbie’s signature colour. In fact, it was introduced to the Barbieverse in the 1970s when pink furniture and interiors became fashionable.

Another room is showcasing the complex design process. Did you know that it takes 18 months for a new Barbie doll from concept to launch the actual product?

The exhibition highlights the diversity of the Barbie range with examples of the first black, Hispanic and Asian dolls along with the first wheelchair user Barbie, and the first one with curvy body shape.

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Another exhibition room is entirely dedicated to Barbie Dreamhouses and vehicles, including the first ever dreamhouse from 1961. Many Barbie vehicles have been designed in partnership with established car manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Jaguar and Fiat.

Barbie’s evolution has really taken a long journey. Today Barbie is challenging gender stereotypes by delivering the message ‘you can be anything’ to young girls, inspiring them to discover their own potentials and choose whatever profession they want, whether it’s astronaut, mechanic or professional footballer.

Hi Ken!

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There is a section dedicated to Ken, displaying six decades of different versions of the doll. Ken was originally presented as Barbie’s boyfriend, but it changed later. Today, the relationship between Barbie and Ken is undefined, allowing children to project their own assumptions to the dolls.

Ken dolls have responded to the changing notions of male fashion over the decades. Just like Barbie, Ken dolls are embracing diversity and now available with different skin tones, body shapes and hairstyles.

‘Barbie®: The Exhibition’ is not just talking about the doll itself, but the whole universe Barbie has created and how it has shaped fashion and design and how fashion and design shaped Barbie’s world.

The Barbie Shop

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If you want to take home some souvenir after the exhibition, visit the Barbie Shop where you can find the limited-edition 65^th anniversary Barbie dolls, Barbie dreamhouses, T-shirts, umbrellas, and other official merch.

Practical Info

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Address

The Design Museum | 224-238 Kensington High St, London W8 6AG

Opening Times

5 July 2024 – 23 Feb 2025

Tickets

Tickets can be booked on The Design Museum’s website

Ready for your next adventure? Somerset House is currently running a ‘pay-what-you-can’ exhibition where Harry Styles’ famous silver jumpsuit is on display.

June 30 2024

Harry Styles’ Famous Silver Outfit is on Display at this ‘Pay What You Can’ Exhibition at Somerset House

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‘The Lore of LOVERBOY’ tells the story of Somerset House’s resident artist, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY. The exhibition highlights outfits worn by Harry Styles and actress Tilda Swinton.

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????????[BLOG POST IN BIO] Harry Styles’ famous silver jumpsuit is on display at this ‘pay what you can’ exhibition at @Somerset House ‘The Lore of LOVERBOY’ tells the story of Somerset House’s resident artist, Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY ???????? ???? The exhibition highlights outfits worn by Harry Styles and actress Tilda Swinton, among others Jeffrey also worked with famous K-pop stars, including Mino ???? ????Somerset House – Terrace Rooms South Wing | Strand, London WC2R 1LA ???? 8 June – 1 Sept 2024 ????️ Pay What You Can (suggested amount £5) #harrystyles #tildaswinton #somersethouse #paywhatyoucan #fashiontiktok #fashiontok #harrystylestiktok #harrystylesfan #CapCut

♬ As It Was – Harry Styles

The Lore of LOVERBOY

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Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY is one of Somerset House’s original residents whose studio is still based within the iconic building literally only two floors below the exhibition space.

The exhibition has three different sections in three exhibition rooms: Initiation, Ritual and Manifestation. Each room showcases different stages of the creative process.

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The first room, called ‘Initiation’, lifts the curtain for visitors to see what makes the label today. Garments, hand-written scribbles, personal photographs and unique items tell intimate stories of the artist and the brand.

Here visitors learn how Jeffrey’s MA collection grabbed the attention of fashion insiders, such as Lulu Kennedy, who later offered support Jeffrey’s first post-study catwalk shows.

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In the centre of the second room, named ‘Ritual’, stands a huge pattern cutting table with fabric swatches, sketches, mood boards and more. The table looks exactly the one Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY is using right now.

This room showcases how LOVERBOY continues challenging fashion norms and gender stereotypes.

This room’s dominant theme is how the design process is understood as a form of ritual. Similarly to rituals Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY design process is made up for steps to follow. This means there is a sequence of specific actions and behaviours to follow from research, to cutting to construction and presentation.

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The final room, ‘Manifestation’, celebrates LOVERBOY’s most iconic and extravagant pieces, including a silver jumpsuit, famously worn by Harry Styles in 2018 and a dress worn by actress Tilda Swinton on the red carpet for The British Fashion Awards in 2022.

Jeffrey also worked with famous K-pop stars, including Mino.

Visitors can also take a rare look at one-off runaway pieces, such as Wedgwood armour worn by Jeffrey himself when fronting his music project NEKO.

LOVERBOY has transcended the boundaries across art, fashion and music and challenged gender stereotypes while leaving a mark in contemporary art and culture.

‘The Lore of LOVERBOY’ is a joyous and surprising tour through fashion label and how it was built from scratch.

The Shop

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The exhibition finishes with a shop where you can purchase original LOVERBOY products. It’s worth to spend some time here because the shop looks like an exhibition itself, giving the opportunity to take some awesome photos for your ‘Gram.

The walls are covered with colourful extravagant graffiti, and you can find the trendiest clothes and accessories for your next night out. Think of cat-eye sunglasses, flower bracelets, cat-ears hats and more.

Practical Info

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Address

Somerset House – Terrace Rooms South Wing | Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Opening Times

8 June – 1 Sept 2024

Detailed opening times, including Summerset House Summer Series, click here (open ‘More Details’ to reveal)

Tickets

Pay What You Can (suggested amount £5)

Ready for your next adventure? Fashion icon Vivienne Westwood heavily influenced Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY. Dame Vivienne’s personal wardrobe has recently been exhibited at Christie’s auction house for free before going under the hammer.

May 29 2024

The Real Bridgerton Residence – Ranger’s House Greenwich

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Popular Netflix series, Bridgerton, has just launched its 3^rd season. Did you know that the real Bridgerton residence is in London, and anyone can visit it? It’s called Ranger’s House, located in Greenwich and it acts as the Bridgerton family’s home’s exterior.

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???? [BLOG POST IN BIO] Did you know that you can visit the real Bridgerton Residence in London? ????It’s called Ranger’s House and located in Greenwich Interesting facts: Ranger’s House was initially put forward as the Featherington House, not the Bridgerton’s Ranger’s House has welcomed home members of the royal family, politicians and aristocrats Ranger’s House, in reality, was never a family home Ranger’s House was used for outdoor filming only The indoor filming were taken place at another location The house is a museum today ???? Click on the link in bio for more interesting facts about the real Bridgerton House #bridgerton #bridgertonnetflix #bridgertonfamily #bridgertontiktok #CapCut

♬ Bridgerton – The Harmony Group

About Ranger’s House

Image Source: english-heritage.org.uk

Ranger’s House was built in the 18^th century by Admiral Francis Hosier, a naval officer, and he used the house as a private property.

After the death of Admiral Hosier, the house passed through the hands of several private owners. In its 300-year history, the house was even owned by members of the royal family, including Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, the elder sister of George III as well as Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester, a niece of George III.

It was in the early 19^th century when the house was renamed ‘Ranger’s House’ and became the official residence of The Ranger of Greenwich Park.

However, Ranger of Greenwich Park wasn’t really a job at all. Instead, it was a title with no responsibilities but with various entitlements, including a place to live or an income.

Ranger’s House has changed its purpose multiple times over the centuries. It was used as changing rooms and tea room and the grounds were converted into bowling green and tennis court when London City Council took ownership of the property in 1901.

The house became the headquarter of No.2 Reserve Horse Transport Depot during the WWI.

Ranger’s House was damaged during the WWII by bombing and, as result, part of the building was later demolished. It came into the care of English Heritage in 1986 and opened to the public.

Today Ranger’s House is operating as a museum showcasing treasures of the Wernher Collection.

Medieval jewellery, Italian ceramics, Renaissance paintings, British portraits and 18-century French furniture are all part of the impressive collection.

Despite of the damage during the WWII and the changes over the centuries, many of the original features of the building are still there. Ranger’s House still has its original flooring, lavish works of art as well as portraits and pictures.

**How was Ranger’s House Chosen for Bridgerton?**

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Netflix was looking for a large house that can well present an upper-class family with its bright and vibrant world.

The Bridgerton family needed a large yet welcoming house. It was also important for the house to be unique compared to its neighbours.

Originally Ranger’s House did not match these criteria, therefore the house was not pitched for the Bridgertons. Instead, producers of the series wanted it to be the Featherington House and another house for the Bridgertons.

However, the locations were eventually swapped and with the help of some CGI visuals and some cosmetic details, Ranger’s House became the perfect Bridgerton family home.

Transforming Ranger’s House to Bridgerton Family Home

Photo: Urban Adventurer

One of the most popular additions are the blooming Wisteria.

Originally, there is no Wisteria at the front house, so the Bridgerton team built a custom-made Wisteria design for the property using branches and material fabric for the flowers.

To mount all the flowers on the front was a bit of a challenge, because the team needed to build a scaffold that hold the whole structure without damaging the historical building.

Other changes included new paint for the front door, new door knobs, gravel spread over the walkway and planting cherry blossom trees, wild roses and ivy on the gates and railing to create a romantic botanical fantasy.

All modern objects and signs were removed in and around of the building, including doorbells, exterior lights and intercom systems as well as signs from the walls of the building and the gates.

Bridgerton vs. Reality

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In 1813, when Bridgerton’s first series is set, Ranger’s House was occupied by Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick.

The house would have been enjoyed in a similar way as in the series, however, there are some differences.

Although Ranger’s House had had lots of different owners during the centuries, it was never really a family home. Instead, it was a home for individuals. The house, however, would have been regularly used for social gatherings.

As for the exterior of the house, it hasn’t really changed. It looks pretty similar to what it looked like back in 1813.

The difference between reality and the Netflix series is that the house wouldn’t have been dressed so elaborately as presented in Bridgerton. There would have been no Wisteria, no wild roses or other flowers, just solid brick walls and iron gates.

Netflix has recently released the 3^rd season of Bridgerton and if you’re a fan of it, you definitely want to visit its iconic location in Greenwich and recreate the photo of the Bridgerton family in front of the house.

Book your visit here.

Ready for your next adventure? Join Herstorical Tours for a historical walking tour in London with a twist. Herstorical Tours offer theatrical walking tours to tell the stories of women in history and how they shaped the world we are living in today. Expect costumes, drama, comedy, and never-heard-before stories about harlots, jailbirds, witches, sinners and saints!

May 24 2024

Astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition

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Awe-inspiring photos of the deep space, stunning images of the Norther Lights, spectacular shots of our solar system and its planets. Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition is now free to visit at National Maritime Museum.

@urbanadventurerldn

???? [BLOG POST IN BIO] Astronomy Photographer of the Year Exhibition is free to visit this year! ???? Awe-inspiring photos of the deep space, stunning images of the Norther Lights, spectacular shots of our solar system and its planets Are you visiting it during the bank holiday weekend? #astronomy #astrophotography #photography #astronomytok #astronomyphotography #exhibition #bankholidayweekend #bankholiday #CapCut

♬ Interstellar (Main Theme) – Random Piano

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Lee Mansfield (UK)

Sequence of Full Moon Over Rivington Pike

Chorley, Lancashire, UK

17 January 2022

Astronomy Photographer of the Year is an annual competition among the world’s greatest space photographers.

Photographers across the globe compete every year to take home the prestigious title.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition at National Maritime Museum showcases over 100 photographs divided into four different sections: Earth and Space, Our Solar System, Deep Space and Young Competition & Special Prizes.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

This year, the exhibition is completely free due to the museum carrying along essential improvements to the roof.

As a result, some areas within the museum are closed until the Summer 2025. To compensate the inconvenience this may cause to visitors, during the period of the renovation all special exhibitions are free to visit. All you need to do is to book a free museum ticket.

Earth and Space

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Earth and Space section showcases photographs that feature landscapes and people alongside astronomical objects.

The photos capture a variety of celestial wonders and spectacular skies with people doing different activities.

Earth and Space is further divided into three sections:

Aurora

Photos of the Northern Lights or Southern Lights.

People and Space

Photos of the night sky that include people or elements of human interest.

Skyscapes

Landscapes or cityscapes of twilight and night sky featuring astronomical objects alongside elements of Earthly scenery.

Our Solar System

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Our Solar System is showcasing breath-taking photographs of the Sun, the Moon, planets, comets and asteroids.

The photos displayed include fiery close up images of the Sun, solar eclipses, pictures of the detailed surface of the Moon, and spectacular views of surfaces of planets from our Solar System.

Our Solar System is further divided into three sections:

Our Sun

Spectacular fiery photos of the closest star to us: the Sun. Breath-taking images of solar flares, eclipses and Sunspots.

Our Moon

Detailed photos of the Moon and its surface.

Planets, Comets, and Asteroids

Photos including stunning images of planets from our Solar System, including the Venus, the Mars, the Jupiter and even the Uranus. This section also showcasing beautiful images of comets and asteroids.

Deep Space

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Deep Space includes some of the most mysterious and remarkable astronomical phenomena beyond our Solar System. Photos of glittering stars, peculiar nebulae and shimmering galaxies are on display in this section.

Deep Space is further divided into two sections:

Stars and Nebulae

Photos of deep space objects within the Milky Way galaxy.

Galaxies

Photos of deep space objects beyond the Milky Way galaxy.

Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year and Special Prizes

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Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year showcases the works of accomplished photographers under the age of 16.

As for the special prizes, two special prizes have been awarded. The first recognises the achievements of photographers who are new to astrophotography.

The second special prize is for images that reinterpret pre-existing astronomical data in a creative or surprising way.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Address

National Maritime Museum | Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF

Opening Times

Until 7 August 2024

Open daily | 10am – 5pm

Tickets

FREE | Book your free ticket to National Maritime Museum on the museum’s official website

Ready for your next adventure? Japan House London recently launched their new exhibition: Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSUEM JAPAN. The exhibition is looking to answer the simple yet complex question: “What is design?” and what a future design museum in Japan should showcase.

May 15 2024

New Exhibition at Japan House London – Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN

Urban Adventurer Cool Activities, Exhibition, Experience on the go, Fashion, Museums, Things to Do, Unique Experience Design Museum Japan, Exhibition London, Japan House, Japan House London, Japanese Culture, Japanese Design, Japanese History, London Exhibition, London Museums, What to Visit in London, where to go in London 0

Japan is synonymous with exemplary design yet, it doesn’t have its own national design museum.

Seven leading Japanese designers with completely different disciplines were asked, “If there were a permanent Japanese design collection, what would you put in it?”. Their diverse responses are the subject of Japan House London’s newly opened exhibition: Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN

@urbanadventurerldn

[BLOG POST IN BIO] I was invited for the press preview of Japan House London’s new exhibition: ???????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????: ???????????????????????????? ???? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? Japan is synonymous with exemplary design yet, it doesn’t have its own national design museum ???????? Seven leading Japanese designers with completely different disciplines were asked, “If there were a permanent Japanese design collection, what would you put in it?” ???? Their diverse responses are the subject of Japan House London’s new exhibition that opened today Make sure you join the conversation by participating two activities at the end of the exhibition and tell something about your favourite design ???? ???? 15 May – 8 Sept 2024 ????️ Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm | Sun & Bank Holidays: 12pm – 6pm ????️ FREE | Booking a time slot is encouraged. You can book your free time slot on Japan House London official website #japanhouselondon #japaneseart #japanesedesign #designmuseum #japaneseculture #japanese #design #CapCut

♬ Japanese style music – kurenaidouke

Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN

Photo: Urban Adventurer

“Spanning ten millennia, this exhibition is an experiment in imagining what a design museum of the future might look like. It is about speculation and collaboration.” – says Director General and CEO of Japan House London, Sam Throne.

Seven well-known Japanese creators, from filmmakers to fashion designers, were asked to try to find an answer of a simple yet complex question: “What is design?”

Kuramori Kyōko, Director of Design Museum Foundation

Photo: Urban Adventurer

As Kuramori Kyōko, Director of Design- DESIGN MUSEUM Foundation and Chief Producer of NHK explains, design shouldn’t necessarily be an intricate and super expensive piece of art. Design can be an everyday object we can find connection to in our everyday lives.

This is why ‘Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN’ exhibition showcases artefacts that have close connection to our lives, such as toys, fashion or even cutlery.

Hand-Picked Artefacts from Well-Known Japanese Creators

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The exhibition showcases Japanese artists’ and creators’ chosen national treasures spanning 10,000 years across Japan, chronologically telling the story of each individual piece.

Originally thousands of different objects have been collected by DESIGN MUSEUM Foundation to be potentially displayed at a future Design Museum Japan.

Out of the thousands of objects, seven individual pieces were selected that, the curators thought, would be the most suitable for the UK audience.

The selected seven objects are set to represent different parts of Japan from North Japan all the way to Kagoshima Prefecture at the Southwestern tip of the island.

It was also important to showcase diverse objects from pottery to fashion to music from both male and female creators.

Design Treasure Hunt

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The exhibition has been created to be like a treasure hunt.

Each creator’s chosen object has its own section to tell the story of the artefact on display and why the artist picked that particular item.

Visitors are encouraged to walk around the display cubes and read quotes from the artist and interesting facts about the object displayed. This gives an experience similar to a treasure hunt.

Highlights of the Exhibition

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Fashion designer Morinaga Kunihiko presents Noro priestess garment. It’s a talismanic patchwork garment made from different clothes from the whole community in order to protect the young priestess from harm.

The triangular shapes represent butterflies that are believed to carry the soul of their ancestors. This garment has never left Japan before, therefore it’s a very unique opportunity for visitors to marvel at this wonderful piece.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

One of Japan’s most influential textile designers, Sudō Reiko showcases sportswear inspired by huge paper lanterns, presented in Toyama’s Yotaka Andon Festival. The festival is also called ‘Fighting Lantern Festival’ because of the violent clashes of enormous lanterns with warrior pictures painted on them.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Filmmaker Tsujikawa Kōichirō has chosen wooden spinning tops from Hyōgo because, according to Kōichirō, a spinning toy is the first designed object a human comes into contact with in their life.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Architect and ex-SEGA video game designer Mizuguchi Tetsuya presents a ‘transacoustic piano’ from Shizuoka. The piano has an embedded speaker that creates a sonic experience that can be felt throughout the entire body.

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Architect Tane Tsuyoshi offers earthenware from over 10,000 years ago from the Jōmon Period and explores how these potteries still impact Japanese design today.

Be Part of the Exhibition – Add Your Design Treasure

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The exhibition ends with two activities.

Visitors are invited to share their own ideas about design and what designs mean to them. Simply grab a piece of paper provided and write down what design means to you and place it on the wall. The aim is to cover the entire wall with colourful papers full of ideas and thoughts about design.

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Is there a particular design close to your heart? Grab a small piece of paper and a little flag and write down (or draw) what design it is and in which country it can be found. When you’ve finished, pierce the flag in the country in the world map on the wall and connect your flag with your paper.

Need some assistance? A friendly member of staff is always there to help you put your paper and flag on the wall if needed.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Design Discoveries: Towards a DESIGN MUSEUM JAPAN

Address

Japan House London | 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA

Opening Times

15 May – 8 Sept 2024

Mon – Sat: 10am – 8pm

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12pm – 6pm

Tickets

FREE | Booking a time slot is encouraged. You can book your free time slot on Japan House London official website

Ready for your next adventure? You still have a chance to visit Bandai Namco Cross Store’s free One Piece pop-up to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the anime series and Luffy’s birthday.