London The City Of London

MUSEUM OF LONDON. Located in the southwest corner of the Barbican complex, the Museum of London resembles an industrial fortress from the outside. Inside, the engrossing collection traces the history of London from its Roman foundations to the present day. Most of the display consists of artifacts and models, but there are a couple worthwhile highlights: a reconstructed Roman dining room built over an original mosaic floor; a hefty model of St. Paul’s; a life-size model of a London home in the 11th century; and the Cheapside Hoard, a 17th-century goldsmith’s bounty uncovered in 1912. The current exhibit (London from 1666 to the Present) is undergoing a $20.5 million renovation set to end in 2010. It promises to be a real hit, with over 5000 objects, interactive displays, and the return of the favorite, gold-bedazzled Lord Mayer’s Coach. (London Wall. Enter through the Barbican or from Aldersgate; wheelchair-accessible via the elevator at Aldersgate entrance. St. Paul’s or Barbican. ☎0870 4444 3851; www.museumoflondon.org.uk. Open daily 10am-6pm; last entry 5:30pm. Free. Audio tours £2. Free 1hr. Tours every day at noon and 4pm. Frequent demonstrations, talks, and guided walks; some are free, others up to £10.)

BANK OF ENGLAND MUSEUM. The Bank itself is only available to those on business; to get to the museum, you will be shuttled by security attendants. The museum traces the history of the Bank from its foundation (1694) to the present day. It’s housed in a reconstruction of Sir John Soane’s original domed Stock Office. (Threadneedle St. Bank. ☎020 7601 5545; www.bankofengland.co.uk. Open M-F 10am-5pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Free.)

THE CLOCKMAKERS’ MUSEUM. A one-room museum measuring the 500-year history of clockmakers through clocks, watches, chronometers, and sundials—you won’t lose track of time here. The display includes a watch that belonged to Mary Queen of Scots and the one worn by Sir Edmund Hillary when he climbed Everest. For a treat, be sure to visit on the hour. (Enter through Guildhall Yard on Aldermanbury. St. Paul’s or Moorgate. ☎020 7332 1868; www.clockmakers.org. Open M-Sa 9:30am-4:30pm. Wheelchair-accessible. Free.)

The City Of London Galleries

BARBICAN ART GALLERY. Housing British and international art and photography, Barbican exhibits change every few months and generally include a variety of media. Call in advance for the season’s exhibit ...more