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NEW MUSEUM AT THE
CHARTERHOUSE OPENS IN JANUARY
The Charterhouse, set deep within
stone walls in the heart of Clerkenwell,
is a remarkable assembly of historic
buildings dating from the 14th century.
Over the years it has been a religious
site, a grand Tudor mansion, a school
and, as it has remained for over 400
years, an almshouse. In January 2017,
parts of the Charterhouse will be open to
the public for the first time in its 660
year history, revealing to the public the
great story of this sprawling urban oasis
at the heart of London.
With its partner the Museum of
London, the Charterhouse is creating a
new museum within the Tudor mansion,
as well as a Learning Centre and an
exhibition space, which will tell the story
of the Charterhouse and its role in key
moments in English history, using
artefacts from its own collection,
together with others from the Museum
of London and other collections. This
new facility will bring to life the history
of the building, highlighting its place in
national affairs and securing its future.
The museum, café and Learning
Centre headed by the Learning
Programme Manager Cynthia Adobea-
Aidoo, previously with the Sir John
Soane’s museum, will be accessed
through Charterhouse Square, the site of
a medieval plague pit. The square has
been re-designed, inspired by its 18th
century layout, by Todd Longstaffe-
Cowan (author of The London Square
Yale 2012) and Gardens Adviser to
Historic Royal Palaces. The reconfigured
Square will lead visitors to the new
public entrance to the Charterhouse
designed by Eric Parry Architects (EPA),
who were responsible for the renewal of
St Martin in the Fields and the Holburne
Museum in Bath.
The Charterhouse is at Charterhouse
Square, EC1M 6AN. You can combine a
visit to the museum with a tour of the
site. These can be booked on the
website www.thecharterhouse.org
t h i s i s l o n d o n m a g a z i n e • t h i s i s l o n d o n o n l i n e