Research

At London Museum, we’re not just preserving history but working hard to uncover it. Research forms the core of this work. This ranges from encouraging new ways of understanding and interpreting the objects and stories in our care, to the meticulous study that goes into developing new exhibitions and public programmes.

We believe in the power of partnership. That’s why our projects are not limited to collaborations across museum departments, and the Archaeological Archive. We frequently join forces with universities, local communities and experts across various fields to paint a more vibrant picture of London's past and present.

Over the next years, we will develop a new research framework for the London Museum, with the ambition to become an Independent Research Organisation. We will do this by building upon on our well-established collaborative doctoral studies programme, research into our collections, and into contemporary London.

Our world-class bioarchaeological research into human remains, dating from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods, provides a unique insight into one of the world’s oldest cities.

The museum curates over 35,000 archaeologically derived human skeletal remains, excavated ahead of construction or development work, in the City and Greater London area.

Information about the human remains curated by the museum and research data from the many cemetery sites will soon be available online, so watch this space.

We believe in putting the power of research into the hands of those who live and breathe London's history every day. We do so by drawing upon our strong record in delivering and commissioning co-produced and practice-based research by people with lived experience, artists, and grass-roots and activist organisations.

Some examples of these include the research developed with King’s College London exploring Covid-19’s impact on working-class Londoners, and the partnership with UCL and Trellick Tower Residents’ Association to develop a community-led brief and vision for the regeneration of Trellick Tower and Cheltenham Estate.

After all, who better to tell London's story than Londoners themselves?

As we aspire to become an Independent Research Organisation, we continue to work on several research projects that look at our collections through varied lenses, while supporting Higher Education Institutions as partners. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the future.

At London Museum, research isn't just about looking back – it's about moving forward, together.