What is it?
London's first vagina museum is also the world's first (there's a penis museum in Iceland, in case you're planning a trip). The muff-loving institution started as a pop-up project in 2017 at venues across the UK before getting a womb of one's own in Camden Market in 2019, then moving to Bethnal Green in 2022. The museum aims to destigmatize anything and everything to do with the gynecological anatomy, while also promoting bodily autonomy in a trans-inclusive environment. Oh, and they really, really love a good pun.
Each gallery is named after one of the three ‘Mothers of Gynaecology’, Betsey, Anarcha and Lucy, who were the enslaved black women upon whom medical experiments were carried out without anesthesia in the 19th century . The permanent exhibition covers the four main themes of anatomy, health, vulva diversity and activism while past temporary exhibitions have delved into periods, endometriosis and cervical screenings. There’s also a busy programme of events and workshops (such as sapphic mix and mingles and 3D clitoris craft classes) to keep an eye on.
Why go?
To educate yourself on the wondrous (and underresearched) world of the vagina, get clued up on the health injustices faced by womxn and be inspired by all the work going into changing that.
Don’t miss
The Anarcha’s Gallery, a space within the museum dedicated to showing work by community groups and upcoming artists.
When to visit
The Vagina Museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm and tends to be quieter on weekdays.
Ticket info
Admission is free with a suggested donation of £5.
Time Out tip
Stop by the shop to stock up on feminist merch for yourself and your pals (vulva earrings anyone?). All profits made from the gift shop go back into keeping the Vagina Museum alive and well.