While we are obsessed with all things Barbican Centre, it is far from being the only cultural institution in the Square Mile.
And, because the City is so small, each of the other museums, theatres, landmarks and galleries are easily within walking distance of each other. Once you’re in the City of London, you can dart around from one to the other without having to jump on buses or trains – safety first folks!
Plus, the teams at each of these locations have worked like crazy over the past few months to create stacks of regular online content for those who can’t make it in person.
Museum of London
After almost five months of temporary closure, the Museum of London in the City will be ready to open their doors on Thursday 6 August and welcome visitors once again.
The exclusive display, The Clash: London Calling, celebrating the making of The Clash’s ground-breaking album ‘London Calling’, will be extended for four weeks until 6 September so there’s no excuse to miss it. This will give visitors a chance to view over 150 items from The Clash’s personal archive, including notes, clothing, images and music, many of which are previously unseen.
The museum’s comprehensive digital offer, which has so far delivered family-friendly online content such as Museum of Fundon and the Great Fire of London: Live Stream as well as online displays and collections such as The Clash: London Calling Smartify tour, Disease X and Windrush Stories, will continue for those who are unable to attend.
Keeping both visitors and staff safe is the museum’s top priority and there are several new measures that have now been introduced, including timed ticket slots for entry. Visitors to each museum will be required to book a free ticket online, in advance, for a time slot of their choosing.
Tower Bridge
Us locals now have the opportunity to go up, look out and discover this London landmark without the usual queues and hordes of tourists. Now is the time to rediscover the rich history of the Bridge and experience the unique viewpoint 42m above the River Thames.
Located perfectly for those of us wanting to walk or cycle along the Thames, we will now be able to step inside for a moment of calm, discovery and snap one of the best views in the Capital. Seriously, this view is sensational.
The one-way visitor route begins in the North Tower where visitors will discover how the Bridge was built and the story of the famous divers. Next to explore is the West Walkway, looking out at views of London, before stepping onto the iconic Glass Floor, where Londoners can look down onto the tranquillity of the River Thames.
After walking down the South Tower with more learning about the Bridge on display, visitors can follow the blue line commemorating the workers of Tower Bridge. Finally, visitors can soak up the atmosphere in the Victorian Engine Rooms and complete their visit in the gift shop.
Londoners residing in the local community of Southwark, Tower Hamlets and City of London can visit Tower Bridge for only £1 by purchasing a community ticket, an initiative in place for over 2 years, enabling over 4,500 locals and their families to visit to-date.
Guildhall Art Gallery
From 1 August, the Guildhall Art Gallery will be back up and running. Visitors will be able to visit the Victorian Gallery, Heritage Gallery and The Enchanted Interior exhibition (on display until 30 August). This major exhibition explores the recurring motif of female subjects in art, as depicted in enclosed, ornate interiors.
London’s Roman Amphitheatre and the lower galleries will also re-open at a later date so check the City of London Corporation’s social pages for more info as it comes.
And, to make sure your experience is as safe as possible, they have introduced a one-way route around the Gallery spaces open to the public. They’ve also reduced capacity so you will have to pre-book a slot before arriving. Everything takes that extra bit of planning these days.
On this route you will see some of our most famous Victorian artworks, heritage exhibits from the Guildhall Art Gallery’s collections and unique Roman remains.
Sadler’s Wells
Sadly, Sadler’s Wells will continue to be closed to the public for quite a few more months. No nights out at the ballet for quite some time. But you can still have nights in with the ballet thanks to their new streaming service – The Digital Stage.
Either, make a night of it by dressing up and eating a decadent meal at home or just stay in the PJs you’ve been wearing all day and order another burger and chips from an online food delivery app. Both of these options work just fine.
Simply choose some of their full-length dance performances, films or workshops online, to keep you entertained and connected through dance, wherever you are in the world.
We’re especially excited by all their workshops for kids and adults. Spend a couple hours moving about the house in a far more fun way. And, as you’re a part of a group, you can get your socialising quota for the day too. That’s a win on all fronts.
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