Museum of Brands

The Basics

There’s plenty to see at the Museum of Brands; allow an hour or two to explore and opt for a prepaid skip-the-line ticket to save time. Highlights include the Time Tunnel, filled with items from Victorian times through the war years, and on into the 50s, 60s, and beyond. Toys, games, food products, advertisements from radio and television, magazines showcasing evolving fashion, posters, and pop culture memorabilia are all part of the chronological exhibits.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is an admission fee for the Museum of Brands, with reduced entrance for children.

• On-site facilities include a museum cafe, gift shop, and garden.

• The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The Museum is located in Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, a short walk from Portobello Market. The closest tube station is Ladbroke Grove, two blocks away.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily, year-round. It’s busiest on weekends, particularly spring through fall, so aim for a weekday morning to dodge the crowds.

Temporary Exhibitions and Events

The Museum of Brands also hosts regular temporary exhibitions with past themes including women in advertising, sustainable packaging, and propaganda in advertising. Regular talks and master classes are held at the museum, as well as hands-on activities including weekly yoga classes, live music workshops, and even food tastings.

Ways to explore

Give yourself at least a few hours to explore the Museum of Brands, and consider booking skip-the-line tickets to save time. You can walk through exhibits such as the Time Tunnel at your own pace, tracing the evolution of brands from Victorian times to the present day. Some visitors go to the museum as part of a guided Notting Hill tour, but many prefer to explore independently and linger at places that interest them. The museum is also part of several multiattraction passes, making it easy to combine with other cultural highlights across London.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible with step-free access, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs that can be borrowed.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Portable phone charger, refillable water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layered clothing

Not allowed

Smoking, leaning against display glass

Amenities

Café, coat check, garden, gift shop, Wi-Fi

Address

On Lancaster Road in Notting Hill, the museum is easy to reach using public transit. Or, if you cycle over, there are bike racks behind the museum.

Driving

Driving generally isn’t recommended, as Notting Hill can get very busy and there isn’t any visitor parking at the museum. It’s much better to take public transportation or use a rideshare app if you wish to go by car.

Public transportation

The museum is around a 5-minute walk from the Ladbroke Grove tube station, which is on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines. Bus stop B, on routes 7, 23, 52, and 70, is also a short walk away.

Best times to visit

The museum is usually open from mid–morning to late afternoon. Come close to opening time to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less busy, so consider coming between Monday and Thursday.

Best months to visit

Since the museum is close to Portobello Road Market, it’s worth planning an outing during the warmer months, such as June through September.

Special events

Temporary exhibitions run year-round, so it’s best to check the events calendar. In July and August, there are family-friendly activities such as ice cream hunts.