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Museums & Landmarks

The Fan Museum

📍 London, Greater London

★4.5(453 Google reviews)💰£3-£5👶5+

The Fan Museum in Greenwich holds over 7,000 fan-related objects spanning 1,000+ years, displayed across two restored 18th-century townhouses. Suitable for ages 5 and up. Features changing exhibitions, fan-making workshops and a garden.

✓ Knowledgeable staff✓ Beautiful displays✓ Georgian townhouses✓ Unique collection✓ Fan-making workshops✓ Good for older kids

🏆 Funzaroo Verdict

Best for families with children aged 8 and over who have an interest in decorative arts, history or craft. The intimate scale — a full visit takes around an hour — makes it manageable without losing focus. Staff and volunteers are the standout feature, offering context that transforms displays from objects into stories.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Allow around an hour — the museum is small and detail-rich
⏰Ask staff and volunteers questions — reviewers consistently highlight their generosity with knowledge
🎟️Check the museum's schedule for fan-making workshops and curator talks before visiting
🚗The garden is a calm space to pause between the two townhouse sections

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.5
★★★★★

453 Google reviews

G Reviews from Google

R

Roisin Williams

a month ago

★★★★★

“We had a lovely time at the fan museum. interesting collection and such wonderful staff and volunteers who were generous with their time and knowledge about the collection and museum itself! would recommend a visit and we'll come back to see the other exhibitions throughout the year”

A

Amy Winterbottom

a year ago

★★★★★

“Spent a lovely hour or so wandering round. A lot of attention to detail has gone into the displays and decor, I loved it all. Staff are really friendly. What a fantastic little museum!”

R

Roland Thompson

6 months ago

★★★★★

“Nice small museum. Great introduction to fan types and fabrication. Especially liked the Jane Austen exhibit with some very beautiful period fans.”

💬 What parents mention

Knowledgeable and generous staffBeautiful and detailed displaysUnique and atmospheric venueGood facilities and garden

Overview

This Greenwich museum holds the world's largest collection dedicated entirely to fans — over 7,000 objects including Elizabethan pieces, Japanese Court fans and works connected to artists like Paul Gauguin. Displays are spread across two beautifully restored Georgian townhouses. Volunteers and staff are consistently praised for sharing detailed knowledge about individual pieces. The garden is accessible to visitors. Fan-making workshops and curator talks run throughout the year.

🕐 Opening Hours

Tuesday11:00 – 16:30
Wednesday11:00 – 16:30
Thursday11:00 – 16:30
Friday11:00 – 16:30
Saturday11:00 – 16:30

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