What is it?
In the quest to be considered the most fan-tastic of all London museums, Greenwich’s Fan Museum has an obvious head start. This beautiful museum is dedicated to the history of handheld fans and the craft of fan-making. Housed in a pair of restored Georgian townhouses, it holds more than 3,000 ornate specimens from all over the world, some dating back to the eleventh century. Exhibitions are switched up throughout the year, with past temporary displays dedicated to the use of fans in performance, biblical fans and fans designed in collaboration with a global network of street artist.
Why go?
You’re not going to find a museum dedicated to these romantic accessories anywhere else. It may seem niche but you don’t have to be a fan enthusiast to appreciate their hand-embroidered, hand-painted, hand-carved beauty.
Don’t miss
Craft two of your very own fans at the museum’s workshops on the first Saturday of every month.
When to visit
The Fan Museum opens it’s doors Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm. Final admission is 4.30pm.
Ticket info
Adults £5; concessions and children aged 7-16 £3; disabled visitors, carers and children under six under are free.
Time Out tip
When you emerge from the Fan Museum, turn to walk through Greenwich Park and up towards the Pavillion Café for coffee, cake and gorgeous views of the city. In the summer, it’s a particularly romantic spot to waft air and practice the Victorian ‘language of fans’, should you have been tempted to purchase one for yourself at the Museum shop.