Museums at Night May Festival 2015
Explore your favourite places across London with special events, screenings and sleepovers for Museums at Night 2015
Inspired by the Parisian night of extraordinary art and installations (La Nuit Blanche), Museums at Night returns for its seventh year with not to be missed events across the country in May. With so many to chose from, we pick our favourites for London dwellers!
Museums at Night 2015 guide
William Morris Museum (16th May)
Over in Walthamstow, the William Morris Museum invites you to camp out and explore the collection with a series of special activities that bring the Icelandic story of Sigurd the Volsung to life. Kids will love the puppet show and torch tour, and they'll even be treated to breakfast in the morning.
£15, 8 - 12 years
The Royal College of Music at Fulham Palace (15th May)
The world famous Royal College of Music puts on a evening of entertainment inspired by the incredible backdrop of Fulham palace with historical instruments and mesmerising pieces from the Tudors, Georgians and Victorians.
Free, 18+ years
Nature Late: The Horniman Museum (14th May)
South London's secret gem, The Horniman Museum, treats visitors to a contemporary art show inspired by fauna, flora and the harsh reality of global warming. Prepare for taxidermy, street art and cocktails that show us why nature is so hot right now (see what we did there?).
£5, 18+ years
Dickens After Dark, the Charles Dickens Museum (15th May)
The historic Charles Dickens Museum, which we love for its quirky events and Christmas Day opening, give us a true Dickensian experience with an evening of Victorian delights. Readings bring the great author Dickens to life and there's also film screenings, live music, the Library bar and a secret walled garden to enjoy.
£12, 18+ years
Put That Light Out! Sleepover, Firepower Royal Artillery Museum (16th May)
The best event for families this May must be the Royal Artillery Museum sleepover where kids will love the Military Drilling, Rocket Firing and Medal Making Crafts. Take a tour of the museum, join in a sing-along of World War II favourites and sip hot chocolate around the camp fire, before curling up between guns and other objects.
£30, family friendly
Museum Mile Walking Tour (15th May)
Don't miss this delightful walk through Bloomsbury, from the little known Cartoon Museum all the way to the British Museum. Discover hidden gems like the Brunei Gallery, the Petrie Museum and UCL Rock Room, or just enjoy the city at twilight.
Free, any age - booking essential
European Literature Night 2015: British Museum (13th May)
Six talented writers from across the world talk compelling fiction, powerful poetry and short stories all on the nature of relationships, morality and childhood trauma. Budding writers will love this event hosted by journalist Rosie Goldsmith. Then, Europe's brightest poets and spoken word artists take the stage hosted by comedian Ava Vidal.
10 full price, £8 seniors, £7 students/under 18s
Late at the Gate: Ye Olde Tavern Quiz, Museum of the Order of St John (13th May)
Competitive quiz lovers will want to make a beeline to Dickens' watering hole at Ye Olde Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell. A traditional pub quiz with snacks and drinks in the historic rooms makes this a really fun event for adults.
£5, tickets must be purchased in advance, teams maximum 8 people
Late Opening at the Wellcome (14th May)
If you've missed the blockbusters Forensics: the Anatomy of Crime and The Institute of Sexology, this is a wonderful opportunity to pay a visit to the Wellcome Collection in North London. Human sexuality and the grit of forensic science come to life in these candid shows.
Free, all ages
Court Adjourned! Behind The Scenes at the UK Supreme Court (14th May)
This is a unique opportunity to wander the halls of the highest court in the land and experience what goes on behind the scenes. Don't miss the Inner Temple Drama Society's court-room drama and live jazz playing out through the wood-panelled lobby. Murder mystery fanatics might also be interested to hear from the designer of the UK Supreme Court, former Judicial Assistants and conservator of the Middlesex Guildhall Art Collection.
£10, £8 concessions, all ages
Mayfest Vintage Evening: The 39 Steps, Dulwich Picture Gallery (16th May)
Swing dance your way through an evening inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 'The 39 Steps', with tours of the Ravilious exhibition, street food, pop-up vintage shops and a screening of the film itself. This is our favourite south London event for the festival.
£13, all ages
Museums at Night 2015 guide
William Morris Museum (16th May)
Over in Walthamstow, the William Morris Museum invites you to camp out and explore the collection with a series of special activities that bring the Icelandic story of Sigurd the Volsung to life. Kids will love the puppet show and torch tour, and they'll even be treated to breakfast in the morning.
£15, 8 - 12 years
The Royal College of Music at Fulham Palace (15th May)
The world famous Royal College of Music puts on a evening of entertainment inspired by the incredible backdrop of Fulham palace with historical instruments and mesmerising pieces from the Tudors, Georgians and Victorians.
Free, 18+ years
Nature Late: The Horniman Museum (14th May)
South London's secret gem, The Horniman Museum, treats visitors to a contemporary art show inspired by fauna, flora and the harsh reality of global warming. Prepare for taxidermy, street art and cocktails that show us why nature is so hot right now (see what we did there?).
£5, 18+ years
Dickens After Dark, the Charles Dickens Museum (15th May)
The historic Charles Dickens Museum, which we love for its quirky events and Christmas Day opening, give us a true Dickensian experience with an evening of Victorian delights. Readings bring the great author Dickens to life and there's also film screenings, live music, the Library bar and a secret walled garden to enjoy.
£12, 18+ years
Put That Light Out! Sleepover, Firepower Royal Artillery Museum (16th May)
The best event for families this May must be the Royal Artillery Museum sleepover where kids will love the Military Drilling, Rocket Firing and Medal Making Crafts. Take a tour of the museum, join in a sing-along of World War II favourites and sip hot chocolate around the camp fire, before curling up between guns and other objects.
£30, family friendly
Museum Mile Walking Tour (15th May)
Don't miss this delightful walk through Bloomsbury, from the little known Cartoon Museum all the way to the British Museum. Discover hidden gems like the Brunei Gallery, the Petrie Museum and UCL Rock Room, or just enjoy the city at twilight.
Free, any age - booking essential
European Literature Night 2015: British Museum (13th May)
Six talented writers from across the world talk compelling fiction, powerful poetry and short stories all on the nature of relationships, morality and childhood trauma. Budding writers will love this event hosted by journalist Rosie Goldsmith. Then, Europe's brightest poets and spoken word artists take the stage hosted by comedian Ava Vidal.
10 full price, £8 seniors, £7 students/under 18s
Late at the Gate: Ye Olde Tavern Quiz, Museum of the Order of St John (13th May)
Competitive quiz lovers will want to make a beeline to Dickens' watering hole at Ye Olde Jerusalem Tavern in Clerkenwell. A traditional pub quiz with snacks and drinks in the historic rooms makes this a really fun event for adults.
£5, tickets must be purchased in advance, teams maximum 8 people
Late Opening at the Wellcome (14th May)
If you've missed the blockbusters Forensics: the Anatomy of Crime and The Institute of Sexology, this is a wonderful opportunity to pay a visit to the Wellcome Collection in North London. Human sexuality and the grit of forensic science come to life in these candid shows.
Free, all ages
Court Adjourned! Behind The Scenes at the UK Supreme Court (14th May)
This is a unique opportunity to wander the halls of the highest court in the land and experience what goes on behind the scenes. Don't miss the Inner Temple Drama Society's court-room drama and live jazz playing out through the wood-panelled lobby. Murder mystery fanatics might also be interested to hear from the designer of the UK Supreme Court, former Judicial Assistants and conservator of the Middlesex Guildhall Art Collection.
£10, £8 concessions, all ages
Mayfest Vintage Evening: The 39 Steps, Dulwich Picture Gallery (16th May)
Swing dance your way through an evening inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 'The 39 Steps', with tours of the Ravilious exhibition, street food, pop-up vintage shops and a screening of the film itself. This is our favourite south London event for the festival.
£13, all ages
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What | Museums at Night May Festival 2015 |
Where | William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road Walthamstow, E17 4PP | MAP |
Nearest tube | Walthamstow Central (underground) |
When |
13 May 15 – 16 May 15, Times vary |
Price | £Prices vary |
Website | Click here for more details |