Redbridge Museum has reopened after major development

After a major redevelopment, Redbridge Museum has reopened with brand-new displays that will take you on a journey from the Ice Age to the Digital Age.

Located in Redbridge Central Library in Ilford, the much-loved free museum has been transformed into a place of wonder where local families and visitors can learn about the history of Redbridge. 

Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Sheila Bain, officially opened the Redbridge Museum to the public last week at a ribbon cutting event. Attendees of the events included friends of the Museum who had generously donated objects, photos and stories.

The new exhibition showcases how local homes and town centres have changed over time – from a series of villages into a bustling suburb of London. Displays on Wanstead’s Roman villa and Redbridge’s oldest buildings sit alongside exhibits about the borough’s rural past.

Experience what it was like to come face-to-face with the mammoths that roamed Ilford 200,000 years ago, see fossilised bones of mammoths alongside a life-size replica of a mammoth skull. 

In time for October half term, families can enjoy exciting interactive exhibits, puzzles, and games scattered throughout the galleries. A children’s area for under-fives features historical role play and dressing up, and a London bus to ride in. The Museum will also deliver an educational programme for schools. 

The Museum involved the local community throughout the redevelopment, which was carried out by Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Art Fund, Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe, and the Friends of Valentines Mansion.  

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “The Redbridge Museum is a fantastic addition to the Ilford Cultural quarter alongside Mercato and Space Studios Art Gallery. It explores the rich history of our borough, providing an educational and interactive space for our local community and visitors, to learn about our local area.”

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder, commented: "Redbridge Museum's grand reopening marks a special time for families in Redbridge, where stories of our borough come to life once again. This reimagined space will be a place of discovery, where families and visitors can connect with Redbridge's history, from ancient mammoths to modern diversity and learning how our past shapes our present." 

For information on opening times, please visit visionrcl.org.uk/museum