The world has many great and well-known museums, yet some of the smaller, lesser-known institutions have much to offer. The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, a thirteen minute train trip from London Bridge underground, Central London, is one such institution. Apart from being a grand building, the setting and features offer far more than many more specific museums in the city.
The Gardens at the Horniman Museum
Because the museum is perched on a hill, the sixteen acre mix of formal and natural gardens affords breathtaking views out to the London skyline. The gardens are meticulously maintained and often updated. In fact, parts of the garden are closed for a 2.3 million pound refurbishing, which will be open in Spring 2012. Unlike many botanical gardens, there is an emphasis on features for children. There are several interesting sundials, a music garden with giant instruments to be played, and an animal walk where kids can see rabbits, guinea pigs, alpaca, goats and chickens.
Gardens as a Learning Experience
In keeping with a museum’s role as caretaker and educator, the gardens at the Horniman are not simply pretty or peaceful. They also teach important aspects of plants in culture. For example there is a dye garden, a sunken garden where the plants are traditionally used to obtain dyes. Many of the processes are explained. There is also the materials garden which illustrates the various ways plant products are put to use for diverse items from buildings to musical instruments.
Medicinal Plants
The medicinal garden displays plants and herbs that have been used for centuries to treat ailments. The garden is planted in ‘body parts’, so that plants traditionally used to cure or aid problems in that area of the body are planted together. The value of growing plants for food is not neglected and there is a food plant display of vegetables from around the world that are grown on allotments, even with tips on how to raise them.
It may seem strange to go to a museum to see a garden, but these rolling acres with broad paths and deep vistas make an enjoyable summer respite and an opportunity for kids to unwind between floors of the museum displays. The gardens contain a traditional Victorian conservatory which dates from 1894; this elegant lacy building is available for hire for weddings and parties. Of course, bridging the two worlds of gardens and museum is an excellent coffee shop!
The museum is open daily from 10:30 to 5:30, except for 24-26 December. Entrance to the main museum exhibits is free. The collection includes the infamous medieval torture chair. The Horniman Museum may be readily reached by buses 176, 185, 197, 356, P4 – which stop outside the Museum and Gardens on London Road, or is just a 5-10 minute walk from Forest hill Station, where it is even signposted from Platform Exit 1.
