The Cinema Museum: The little-known London museum dedicated to the golden age of cinema

By Abigail Rabbett

Editor of London World

Published 15th Apr 2025, 10:23 BST
Look inside London's Cinema Museum Look inside London's Cinema Museum
Look inside London's Cinema Museum | Edwardx via Wikimedia Commons
Hidden off Renfrew Street, The Cinema Museum is a treasure trove of cinema memorabilia from velvet seats to movie posters.

Tucked away in Kennington, South London, The Cinema Museum is a hidden gem dedicated to preserving the rich history of cinema-going from the 1890s to the present day.

Housed in the former Lambeth Workhouse, where a young Charlie Chaplin once resided, the museum offers a nostalgic journey through the golden age of cinema.

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Founded in 1986 by Ronald Grant and Martin Humphries, the museum boasts an extensive collection of cinema memorabilia. Visitors can explore vintage projectors, Art Deco seating, ushers' uniforms from the 1940s and '50s, original signage, ticket machines, and even vintage popcorn cartons.

Inside the London Cinema Museum where Charlie Chaplin once resided Inside the London Cinema Museum where Charlie Chaplin once resided
Inside the London Cinema Museum where Charlie Chaplin once resided | Edwardx via Wikimedia Commons

The archive includes over a million photographs and 17 million feet of film, capturing the essence of movie-going experiences from bygone eras.

The museum's location adds to its charm. The building's connection to Charlie Chaplin provides a poignant backdrop to the exhibits. Guided tours, often led by passionate volunteers, offer personalized insights into the collection, making each visit unique.

The museum also hosts film screenings, talks, and events, celebrating both classic and contemporary cinema.

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Cinema Museum London Cinema Museum London
Cinema Museum London | Edward Hands
  • Location: 2 Dugard Way, London SE11 4TH​
  • Nearest Stations: Kennington and Elephant & Castle

For more information and to plan your visit, please refer to the official website.​

Whether you're a film enthusiast or simply curious about the history of cinema, The Cinema Museum offers an intimate and immersive experience that captures the magic of the movies.​

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Related topics:LondonCinemasElephant & CastleSouth London

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