Over the years, the Museum of Richmond has had the pleasure of exploring the vast and varied history of the borough whose natural beauty inspired writers and artists alike, as well as attracted royalty and the aristocracy.
To reflect this rich and fascinating history, the Museum has had exhibitions devoted to the famous historical artistic and literary figures that found a home here. Additionally, a number of exhibitions have focused on the borough’s exciting political history, being a major home of the monarchy and elite of society for many years. Richmond’s role as the home of many major beneficiaries of the slave trade made it a popular location for abolitionist efforts, as well as the site of the Britain’s first Poppy Factory and numerous Suffragette campaigns.
Digital Christmas Card Collection 2020
The Museum has over 40 different Christmas cards in our collection so we wanted to give you an opportunity to see them digitally.
Many are over 100 years old and have taken very different forms than those we are used to today.
View the Museum of Richmond Christmas Card Collection online.
Queen’s Road: 500 Years of History
1 February 2020 - 30 January 2021
Explore 500 years of history on a single road in Richmond. From farmland owned by Tudor courtiers to the site of modern social housing, Queen’s Road offers a glimpse into the ways society was changing in Richmond.
As the Museum is currently closed to the public, we are providing an online version of the exhibition until 30 January 2021.
Celebrating 800 Years of St. Mary Magdalene at the Heart of Richmond
20 July 2019 - 25 January 2020
The historic parish church of St. Mary Magdalene has been at the centre of Richmond for over 800 years. This exhibition celebrates the church’s history and is being held at the Museum of Richmond and St. Mary Magdalene. Visit both venues to discover the church’s fascinating stories.
Discover our additional exhibition resources by clicking here.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and by the Richmond Church Charity Estates.
Ham Is Where The Heart Is
11 May 2019 – 13 July 2019
Developed from an oral histories project, this pop-up exhibition explores life in Ham and Petersham
over the last 80 years through stories and pictures.
This exhibition was created with support from the Heritage Lottery fund, Ham United Group, the London Richmond Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Library Services.
Spring Exhibition: Explosive History!
2 March 2019 - 9 May 2019
Discover the history of the Hounslow gunpowder mills during the First World War in this pop-up exhibition from the London Wildlife Trust.
This exhibition was created by the London Wildlife Trust with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Museum of Richmond’s 30th Anniversary
20 October 2018 – 23 February 2019
The Museum of Richmond celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2018. To mark the occasion this Temporary Exhibition will explore the Museum’s collections, past exhibitions and events through the eyes of 30 influential individuals from the Museum’s 30 years. Visit to find out more and get involved with the various events and activities, which will be taking place throughout the exhibition.
Archaeology: Richmond’s Prehistory
5th May- October 2018
In this exhibition visitors discovered more about the prehistory of the local area through the archaeological finds on display. What do archaeologists do and what stories do these objects tell? This exhibition had something for all ages with great objects and insight for interested adults alongside fun family friendly interactives, which were designed by our Youth Panel!
This exhibition is generously supported by the John & Ruth Howard Charitable Trust.
23 September 2017 to 22 April 2018
Richmond is an affluent area, but there have always been pockets of poverty. This exhibition was about the poor and how they lived. It will looked at the workhouses, almshouses and individuals who worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the charities which continue to offer support today.
The exhibition was be based upon a new publication from Richmond Local History Society and was funded by the Richmond Parish Lands Charity, the Richmond Charities, the Barnes Workhouse Fund and generous individual donors.
To find out more about the case studies and resources schools can use to help study this topic, visit our Discovery Box page
Old Palace Lane: Medieval to Modern Richmond
6th May – 16th Sept 2017
The subject of this exhibition is arguably the most historic street in Richmond; Old Palace Lane. Its varied history can almost be viewed as a history of Richmond in microcosm. Its story goes back to the medieval period, when a crane wharf was first installed where the lane meets the Thames. Since then, many different developments have occurred on the lane in terms of its industry, infrastructure and social changes.
The Royal Star & Garter: 100 Years of Care
5 November 2016 to 29 April 2017
This exhibition told the story of the local institution which over the last 100 years has pioneered the way we care for our retired servicemen and competitive sport for disabled people.
The exhibition was formally opened by HRH Princess Alexandra, patron of both the Museum and the Royal Star & Garter Home.