Wimbledon Museum is a small, independent museum proud to champion the history and people of Wimbledon’s village, town and common.
In 1916, local people came together to conserve the treasures and share the stories that made Wimbledon special. They founded a museum and for more than 100 years, successive generations have championed and cherished our local history here. Restored and redesigned for the 21st century, Wimbledon Museum invites people to make new connections and deepen their understanding of the place we love.
From suffragettes to slave owners, a postman to a princess: find out about the people of Wimbledon’s past and help us tell the stories of Wimbledon’s present. Visit our museum and meet the characters who have shaped our communities.
The big museums present the treasures of the world. Linger a little in our museum and we’ll show you history on your doorstep – the village, the town, the common, who lived here and what mattered to them. If you wake up in Wimbledon or visit occasionally, if you grew up here or have just arrived, you’re part of that story too. Bring your associations, find new ones.
We’re making history here.
Drop in from 11 am to 4 pm | Free entry
Explore the historic Wimbledon Village Club and Lecture Hall, designed by architect Samuel Teulon in 1858 and home to Wimbledon Museum.
Exhibition: Behind that Door
A special exhibition exploring the rich heritage of the Wimbledon Village Club and Lecture Hall. Over the years the building has witnessed a full spectrum of experiences, providing piety and sobriety, shelter and camaraderie, conviviality and revelry. Visitors will discover the building’s links to Wimbledon’s history and the colourful characters who have crossed its threshold.
Guided tours
Saturday 12th at 12 noon
Sunday 13th September at 12 noon and 1 pm
YWA Young Artists in Residence
The winner of our YWA Young Artists in Residence competition, Alex Yam, together with our Museum Creative, Louise Hung, will be exhibiting in our Gallery.
What makes Wimbledon, Wimbledon?
What do you think of Wimbledon? Historic? Charming? Crowded? Green? Lively? What’s your word for Wimbledon? Add your opinion to other people’s and see what our community thinks.
Family drop‑in Activities
My Ideal Bedroom – Craft Activity
Saturday 12th September
11 am to 4 pm
What would your ideal bedroom look like? Let your imagination run wild! Design a bedroom filled with your favourite things – pictures, mirrors, a window, toys, pets, colours and patterns. Create your own fold-out paper bedroom and bring your dream space to life.
The Peacock Palace – story telling for under-5s
Sunday 13th September
11 am and 1 pm
A very grand, sparkly Peacock is visiting Wimbledon Common! But where will he stay? Join us for a magical, interactive adventure. Packed with live music, sensory play and friendly animal puppets, your little ones will help the woodland creatures compete to build the ultimate home. May the best house win!
Where Town Meets Country
Our popular animation takes you on a short journey through the history of Wimbledon, from the era of the manor houses to the transformative impact of the arrival of the railway and water mains.
The animation was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Merton Council. It was produced by Denhams Digital in collaboration with museum staff and interviews with local residents.
Our Collections
Our treasured collections relate to life in Wimbledon from about 500,000 years ago right up to the present.
Outside opening hours and by appointment, we are very happy to welcome members of the public who wish to consult our collections for research, have questions about the history of Wimbledon, would like to bring in items for identification or wish to offer items for the Collections.
To arrange an appointment or make an enquiry, please email: museumcollections@wimbledonsociety.org.uk
Please do not bring prospective donations to the Museum without making an appointment.
What’s On
New book
We are delighted to announce the launch of 100 Wimbledon Landmarks and their Histories. This engaging book explores the history, culture and natural features of Wimbledon through 100 carefully chosen landmarks. From historic buildings to humble street furniture, from ancient trees to modern statues, some are iconic whilst others, including a First World War seaplane shed and a Victorian stink pipe, are hidden in plain sight.
Discover the stories behind these landmarks and the individuals connected to them. With full colour photos, maps and four circular walks, this is an essential guide to Wimbledon, perfect for residents and visitors alike.
Order it online or buy a copy at the museum during your next visit, or at Wimbledon Books, 40 High Street Wimbledon, London SW19 5AU. Price £16.
Local History – Ask the Experts
More dates soon, please check back | Free drop-in | No booking required
Drop in and join Michael Norman Smith, Chair of the Local History Group, and his colleague Sheila Dunman, both ready to share their vast knowledge of Wimbledon’s rich past. Whether you’re curious about historic landmarks, old families, or fascinating events, this is your chance to explore our local heritage.
Free entry
Sensory Trail
This activity is accessible to all and offers a unique, hands-on way to learn and connect with our museum collection using all your senses.
Simply find the wooden number, open the matching bag, and follow the instructions inside to smell, touch, listen to, or look closely at the featured objects. Feel free to follow the trail at your own pace and pick any bag that interests you—no need to go in order!
Click below to view a video describing how the sensory trail works.
Visit us
Plan your visit
Everyone is welcome at Wimbledon Museum where our collection has something for all and is free to explore.
Click below for information about how to get here, opening times and accessibility.
Families
Families with children of all ages are welcome. For our youngest visitors we have a specially commissioned Wimbledon map playmat and plenty of toys to build their own town.
We have drawing materials, picture books and self-guided activities in our children’s corner, as well as a Sensory Trail to help them explore the museum.
We hold family workshops throughout the year – check our What’s on page or join our mailing list below.
Group Visits
We can arrange special visits for groups of up to twenty people on Fridays.
We can also host evening visits by special arrangement with the Village Hall Trust. A drinks reception can be held in the adjacent Lingfield Room and guests can visit the museum (maximum 20 in the museum at any one time).
For more information
Popular pages
Donate
Wimbledon Museum, which has free entry, is run entirely by volunteers.
If you would like to support our work, please click below.
Our Sponsors
We are enormously grateful to the Wimbledon Park Community Trust, Wimbledon District Nursing and Midwifery Benevolent Society and Bell Hammer Ltd for supporting our activities and outreach programme.
If your organisation would like to support any of our work, please get in touch.
Shop
The online publications bookshop has reopened.
We have a wide range of titles available to purchase. Please click on the link below to see our current stock.