Illustration of The Foundling Hospital from London Town book

Foundling Hospital, Bloomsbury

Foundling Hospital London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Bloomsbury, the Foundling Hospital stands as a cornerstone of child welfare and cultural philanthropy in London. Established in 1739 by Thomas Coram, it pioneered compassionate care for abandoned children at a time when infant mortality and social neglect were rampant. Evolving from a charitable institution to a vibrant museum, the Foundling Hospital not only transformed attitudes toward child welfare but also became Britain’s first public art gallery and a hub for music philanthropy, thanks to supporters like William Hogarth and George Frideric Handel (Foundling Museum; Regency History; Coram Story). Today, the Foundling Museum invites visitors to explore this remarkable legacy through its exhibitions, preserved architecture, and engaging programs. This detailed guide covers the hospital’s history, cultural impact, and all the practical information you need for your visit, including Foundling Hospital visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, and travel tips.

Historic coat of arms for the Foundling Hospital

Heraldic arms of the Foundling Hospital featuring a reclining infant on the shield, flanked by Nature and Britannia, with a lamb crest and motto 'Help'

Coat-of-arms of the Foundling Hospital with a naked child, lamb holding thyme sprig, Diana of Ephesus and Britannia supporters, motto 'Help', rococo frame, and an admission ticket for Handel's sacred oratorio performance circa 1750

Coat-of-arms of the Foundling Hospital featuring a naked child, a lamb holding thyme sprig, Diana of Ephesus and Britannia as supporters, with a rococo frame and an admission ticket for Handel's sacred oratorio

Historic image of The Foundling Hospital from 1820 by Brayley

Portrait of Captain Coram in oval frame with Foundling Hospital below

Engraving of Captain Coram portrait with Foundling Hospital illustration below

Perspective view of the Foundling Hospital with emblematic figures by Charles Grignion the Elder

Mezzotint portrait of Daniel Lock Esqr seated beside a table holding the plan of the Foundling Hospital

Hand-coloured caricature titled European Race for A Distance depicting a humorous historical scene

Early print depicting Foundling Hospital founded by Thomas Coram

François Morellon de La Cave engraving after William Hogarth depicting Foundling Hospital authorization

A colored etching showing the Foundling Hospital in London from 1751, an historic view of the building with surrounding area

Three Governors of the Foundling Hospital seated at a table in a classic painting

Historical black and white drawing of London cityscape with old buildings and riverside

Historic detailed map of London with intricate illustrations

Front view of the historic Foundling Hospital building

The Foundling Hospital for the Beauties of England and Wales, illustrated page from Volume Two by John Byrne

Children at Foundling Hospital cleaning chimney sweep soot in 1804

Satirical print depicting the Foundling Hospital emblem with horned figures, Adam and Eve, and Fortune on her wheel near Thames

Children saying goodbye at the Foundling Hospital before starting apprenticeships, with paintings by William Hogarth and Richard Wilson in the background

Abbott and Holder in December 2019, when it was described as "NICHOLSON Sir William (1872-1949) ‘The Foundling / Night’. Pencil. Signed and inscribed. 6x8.5 inches. Framed: 14.25x16 inches.""> The Foundling Night drawing by William Nicholson

The Foundling Night drawing by William Nicholson

Origins and Founding Vision
Early Development and Expansion
Cultural Impact and Notable Supporters
Daily Life and Education
Architectural and Social Legacy
The Modern Era & Foundling Museum
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets & Access
Museum Highlights: Exhibitions and Collections
What Makes the Visit Special
FAQ
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Origins and Founding Vision

The Foundling Hospital was founded in 1739 by Thomas Coram after nearly two decades of campaigning to protect London’s abandoned and destitute children. Securing a Royal Charter from King George II, Coram’s vision was radical: to offer shelter, education, and a future to infants otherwise doomed to neglect or death (Foundling Museum; Regency History). Here, “hospital” meant a place of hospitality and care, rather than medical treatment (Wikipedia).

The institution sought to “prevent the frequent murders committed on poor miserable infants by their parents to hide their shame, and the inhuman custom of exposing new-born children to perish in the streets” (Quills and Quartos).

Early Development and Expansion

The hospital admitted its first 30 children in 1741 at a temporary site in Hatton Garden (BBC History). Mothers left tokens—coins, ribbons, or scraps of fabric—as identifiers, many of which survive today as poignant artifacts (The History of London; Foundling Museum).

Soon after, the hospital moved to a purpose-built facility on 56 acres in Bloomsbury, purchased from the Earl of Salisbury (Children’s Homes). The site featured a central chapel, boys’ and girls’ wings, gardens, and playgrounds (Regency History).

A government grant in 1756 allowed universal admission for a brief period, leading to rapid expansion and the opening of branch hospitals. However, after four years and nearly 15,000 admissions, financial constraints forced a return to selective intake (Children’s Homes).

Cultural Impact and Notable Supporters

The hospital became a celebrated charity, supported by leading artists and musicians. William Hogarth, a founding governor, donated art and designed uniforms, while encouraging peers to contribute works. The hospital thus became Britain’s first public art gallery, featuring paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, and others (Historic Houses).

Composer George Frideric Handel performed annual benefit concerts, including his “Messiah,” in the hospital chapel, helping to raise funds and awareness (Foundling Museum). These events drew fashionable crowds and elevated the hospital’s profile in Georgian London (Children’s Homes; History Tools).

Daily Life and Education

Children, admitted as infants, first lived with rural wet nurses before returning around age five for education and upbringing until age fifteen (London x London). Boys were trained for trades or the navy, girls for domestic service (Wikipedia). The hospital emphasized order, discipline, and hygiene, with facilities including classrooms, dormitories, and communal dining (Children’s Homes).

The hospital’s Georgian building, with its symmetrical wings and central chapel, provided architectural inspiration for later charitable institutions (Regency History). Its gardens offered rare green space for city children. The integration of art and music into its mission influenced the development of public galleries and concert venues (Historic Houses).

The Modern Era & Foundling Museum

By the 1920s, the hospital relocated outside London, and the original building was demolished. However, the charity’s legacy continued. In 2004, the Foundling Museum opened on part of the original site, preserving rooms, art, and tokens from the historic hospital (Foundling Museum; Historic Houses). Adjacent Coram’s Fields remains a child-focused park where adults enter only with children (The History of London).

Charity Coram, the hospital’s successor, now supports children and families through advocacy, adoption, and legal advice (BBC News).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets & Access

Visiting Hours

Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am–5:00 pm
Closed Mondays and some holidays (Foundling Museum official site)

Tickets

Adults: £14.50
Concessions: Available for seniors, students, and others
Children under 16: Free
Tickets include unlimited free entry for one year (Foundling Museum Tickets)

Accessibility

Full wheelchair access, lifts, and accessible toilets on all floors
Sensory maps, large print guides, and assistance dogs welcome
Contact the museum for tailored support (Accessibility Information)

Getting There

Address: 40 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1AZ
Nearest Tube: Russell Square (4 min walk), King’s Cross St Pancras (10 min walk)
Bus routes: 7, 59, 68, 91, 168, 188
Limited on-street parking; public transport recommended (Foundling Museum – Visit Us)

Facilities

Café with refreshments and snacks
Gift shop for books, prints, and souvenirs
Cloakroom for coats and small bags

Museum Highlights: Exhibitions and Collections

Permanent Exhibitions

Foundling Tokens: Personal objects left by mothers for future identification (Londontopia)
Recreated Dormitory: Authentic 18th-century children’s dormitory
Court Room & Chapel: Georgian interiors with art by Hogarth and others
Handel Gallery: The world’s largest private Handel collection (Time Out)

Temporary Exhibitions & Events

Regularly changing exhibitions explore themes of childhood, music, and social history
Lectures, concerts, family workshops, and guided tours available (IanVisits; What’s On)

Digital and Interactive Experiences

360° virtual tours and audio guides enhance onsite and remote exploration (Foundling Museum)

What Makes the Visit Special

The Foundling Museum offers a moving blend of history, art, and empathy. Original interiors, foundling tokens, and immersive exhibits connect visitors with the lives of the children and benefactors. The museum’s vibrant program and support for contemporary artists keep its mission alive, making every visit meaningful.

FAQ

Q: What are the Foundling Museum visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday, 11:00 am–5:00 pm; closed Mondays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adult tickets are £14.50; concessions available; children under 16 free.

Q: Is the museum accessible?
A: Yes, with step-free access, lifts, and accessible toilets.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography without flash is allowed in most areas; check for restrictions.

Q: Are group tours available?
A: Yes, for groups of eight or more; book in advance.

Q: Are virtual tours offered?
A: Yes, a 360° virtual tour is available on the website.

Summary and Travel Tips

The Foundling Hospital’s transformation from an 18th-century sanctuary for abandoned children to a leading museum reflects profound changes in British society. Its legacy as a pioneer in child welfare and a catalyst for artistic philanthropy endures in the Foundling Museum’s exhibitions, preserved Georgian architecture, and ongoing community programs. Situated in Bloomsbury, the museum is easily accessible via public transport and surrounded by other historical sites like the British Museum and Charles Dickens Museum.

Plan your visit by booking tickets online, checking current exhibitions, and exploring the museum’s website for accessibility support and event updates. For families, group tours, and art enthusiasts, the Foundling Museum offers a unique, moving, and educational experience.

For more information and updates, visit the Foundling Museum official website. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for audio tours and additional guides to London’s historical sites.