Foundling Museum Reviews Summary

Exhibitions and Collections

Pros:

• "The art collection is truly worth a look with many beautiful works from various periods."
• "The Hogarth Exhibition was excellent as it gave an insight into the life and history of the time."
• "The most moving exhibit was about the tokens which mothers used to leave for their children."
• "The current exhibit, Finding Family, is a varied and thought provoking curation of works."
• "Lots of beautiful art, I loved seeing the then and now photos of some of the children."
• "The gallery downstairs always has the best exhibitions and they change quite often."
• "Interesting artefacts and a good small art gallery of the characters who were important in its development."

Cons:

• "They poorly advertised an event that was ticketed unknown to us due to misleading information in the press."
• "Lots of paintings of the ‘great and good’ when I’d rather have seen more about the foundlings themselves."
• "Super interesting! Unfortunately I found the whole foundling part a little small."
• "Went there mainly to see the Superheroes exhibition but it was a bit disappointing because it was only in one room, so there wasn't much to see."
• "Expensive to get in. Ground floor is the only display about the foundlings...rest of the building is mainly art displays."
• "I had expected there to be more about foundlings in here - or maybe about the living conditions in London at that time, or something about the domestic work that they often entered in to."
• "Disappointed. Was expecting more of what life was like for these poor unfortunate children."

Facilities and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Also a small gift shop, life and clean toilets."
• "Lovely place to go as they have a free tour you can join and be shown around and taught some very interesting history about this museum."
• "Very child friendly place, the staff couldn’t be more friendly."
• "A well organised and stunning museum that is well worth the entry fee."
• "Accessible on all floors."
• "Lovely little museum with a small gift shop and a great cafe."
• "All the guides are volunteers, very knowledgeable and enthusiastic."

Cons:

• "It is a bit tucked away so can be a bit difficult to find."
• "Staff are standoffish about the non-paying customers."
• "Admission price is a little high."
• "It was irritating to find the cafe closed over lunch time to accommodate a private party."
• "Well worth a visit but no cafe or refreshments."
• "Signage at knee height; lighting for the items was weak and badly positioned."
• "Bear in mind their entrance ramp is currently broken so wheelchair users must send someone up the steps to ask them to let you in around the side."

Visitor Experience

Pros:

• "Documented and moving stories of the children abandoned in previous centuries."
• "Visited for an event, wonderful place, sense of history and excellent hospitality."
• "Hugely enjoyed our visit this morning. Warm welcome, excellent introduction, then freedom to roam."
• "Thank you for such a wonderful experience."
• "Really brought to life by Robin, a volunteer who gave us a great introduction to the site."
• "A fascinating array of artifacts, stories, art works."
• "Very helpful and friendly staff - the information and displays are wonderful."