The Cuming Museum
Welcome to the Cuming Museum, the home to the rich and unusual collection of the Cuming family and the museum of Southwark's history.
The three galleries at the Cuming Museum contain a variety of hands on activities for younger visitors as well as a lively temporary exhibition programme. For more information on the Cuming Family and Southwark galleries see our permanent exhibitions page. To find out about our current temporary exhibition see the temporary exhibitions page.
Henry Syer Cuming left the collection amassed by himself and his father Richard to the Metropolitan Borough of Southwark when he died in 1902. His will stated "My museum illustrative of natural history, archaeology and ethnology with my coins and medals and along with all other curios" be exhibited in "a suitable and spacious gallery or apartments in connection with Newington Public Library."
The museum was to be known as the Cuming Museum and he left a sum of money to employ a curator. The museum was opened in 1906 by Lord Rothschild. To find out more see the history of the Cuming Museum page and the collections pages.
Events and education
The Cuming Museum offers an extensive education programme for primary schools and adults. For more information see the education at the Cuming Museum page.
The museum also runs events and activities for adults and families throughout the year. During half term, spring and summer school holiday periods we have a changing programme of family activities. There are also special events and activities arranged in connection with our latest temporary exhibition. For updated information on events on offer at the Cuming Museum see the events page.
Adding to the Cuming collection today
Our remit today is to collect material that relates to Southwark and represents all of Southwark's communities. Our collecting procedures follow national standards and we are a registered museum under the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) Museum registration scheme.
We are happy to accept donations, but are unable to accept long term loans. Loans are only accepted for the purposes of temporary exhibitions or very occasionally for other reasons. Bequests can be accepted, but must fit within our collecting policy.
Currently, we are very interested in adding to our Southwark history collection and are especially short of material relating to Southwark's industries in the 20th century. However, it is important to note that we can't always accept everything we are offered. Please always contact the museum first on 020 7525 2332.
Opening hours and getting here
See our visitor information and FAQs pages. For information on accessibility see our access page.
The Cuming Museum
Tel: 020 7525 2332
Fax: 020 7525 2345
cuming.museum@southwark.gov.uk
Old Walworth Town Hall
151 Walworth Road
London
SE17 1RY
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