Museum of 1951

Spirit Level on the ground floor of Royal Festival Hall has been transformed into a museum throughout the festival. Designed by Hemingway Design, The Museum of 1951 brings together a vibrant collection of memorabilia, artworks, personal histories, models and memories from the original Festival.

Don’t miss out on seeing a Meccano model of the Festival of Britain Ferris wheel, a typical 1950s room carefully recreated, new and archival film and more.

Festival ’51 View Points

Festival ’51 View Points are designed and curated in collaboration with four groups of volunteers from across London. They explore the themes of the original Festival of Britain in 1951, using memories, archive material and historic collections. You can find these displays in the foyers of the Royal Festival Hall until the 4 September.

Please note, as a result of Vintage at Southbank Centre, access to the Museum of 1951 is via free guided tour only from 29 to 31 July. Tours start on the hour from 10am, with the last tour at 3pm. Meeting point is at Royal Festival Hall’s Office & Artists entrance on Belvedere Road. Maximum group size 12.