Redbridge Museum
Redbridge Museum explores the many different people, places and events which make up the history of our Borough.
What's in the Museum
Moving Stories Meet some of the people who have lived and worked in Redbridge between 1940 and today
The March of Bricks and Mortar Discover how Redbridge grew from a number of villages to a modern suburb between 1900 and 1939
Rural Redbridge Find out what life was like in the local area in the 1800s
Time Zone Explore over 150,000 years of local history through interactive displays
Find out more on what you can find in the Museum (PDF 719KB) .
Visit Exploring 20th Century London to find out more about some of the items in Redbridge Museum's collection.
Since opening in 2000, we have worked with hundreds of local people, produced more than 70 exhibitions and displays, attracted more than 200,000 visitors, held over 600 family activities, and taught 33,518 school pupils. Find out more about how we work in partnership with local groups and individuals.
Current exhibitions
Building Ilford
Over the last 150 years, Ilford has constantly transformed itself. Today, just as in the 1800s, thousands of new homes are being built for new residents. Rail links will bring the town closer to central London than ever before. Ambitious plans are being developed to create new civic buildings and streetscapes.
This new exhibition by Redbridge Museum explores these changes, why they happened and what they mean for local people.
From Edwardian expansion to post-war rebuilding, from the Ilford Palais to Pioneer Point, including the grand schemes that were never built, the exhibition explores the building challenges and opportunities that continue up to the present day.
Using a wealth of historic photographs, building plans, architectural models and the views of town planners and local people, the exhibition shows how the past and present continues to shape Ilford's future.
Date: Tuesday 31 October to 9 June 2018
Find out more about this exhibition (PDF 1.19MB)
Coming Together
Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities in Redbridge
This new small display at Redbridge Museum showcases a Heritage Lottery Funded project by the Muslim Women's Welfare Association (MWWA).
Featuring photographs, objects and personal stories from the MWWA, this display explores some of the history, connections, similarities and difference between Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities who now live in Redbridge.
Also on display is a personalised scrapbook made by the MWWA celebrating the 'Coming Together' of Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents in Redbridge.
Date: Tuesday 6 March to 12 May 2018
Ilford Football Club Heritage Project - can you help?
Redbridge Museum is working with Ilford F.C on an exciting new project about the history of the club. Founded in 1881, Ilford F.C have been one of the most successful amateur clubs in the country.
We would love to hear from anyone with Ilford F.C items or memories. The project will lead to a major exhibition, book and new website, supported by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Please contact Michael Foley, Ilford F.C Chairman or redbridge.museum@visionrcl.org.uk, 0208 708 2317.
Redbridge and the First World War
Redbridge Museum has launched a brand new website and book about the impacts of the First World War on Redbridge. Both are fully illustrated and feature extensive new research not previously published. Copies can be purchased from Redbridge Museum and most Redbridge libraries. Visit Redbridge and the First World War website.
Schools programme
The Museum & Heritage Service delivers a wide range of free education sessions based around the national curriculum. These educational session are at the museum and Valentines Mansion. To find out more about what you and your group can gain from a visit to Redbridge Museum watch this short film.
All sessions include handling a wide range of real artefacts, fun activities and exploring the displays. Groups can use historic archives, maps, photographs to learn about the history of their local area and school.
The Museum can deliver INSET sessions for teachers, assemblies, and support for school projects.
Find out more about our schools sessions at Redbridge Museum (PDF 1MB)
Find out more about our schools sessions at Valentines Mansion & Gardens (PDF 1MB)
or contact us for more information or book a session.
Sign up to our enewsletter
Sign up to receive our quarterly enewsletter for teachers. Get updates about new and current programmes, special events and what’s new to support your teaching.
To sign up, email Redbridge Museum and include your full name and the name of the school you work for.
Visit us
Location
Redbridge Museum
2nd Floor Central Library
Clements Road
Ilford
IG1 1EA
View Redbridge Museum on the map
Contact details
- telephone: 020 8708 2317
- email: redbridge.museum@visionrcl.org.uk
Opening times
We are open:
- Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm
- Saturdays 10am to 4pm
Free entry