Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Barnet's Rich History at Barnet Museum
Barnet Museum, established in 1938, is a free local history museum in North London dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of Chipping Barnet, East Barnet, New Barnet, Hadley, and surrounding districts. Our collection spans from the Bronze Age to the present day, featuring hundreds of artefacts and an extensive archive, making us a vital centre for local and family history research. We actively engage the community through exhibitions, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, including the Battle of Barnet Project and the restoration of the historic Physic Well.Our volunteer-led team delivers monthly lectures, school workshops, and public events, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history. With a commitment to accessibility, we offer free admission, group visits, and a shop selling unique local history publications. Recognised as an accredited museum and registered charity (No. 1169214), we uphold rigorous standards of historical preservation and public service, ensuring Barnets past remains vibrant for future generations.
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Battle of Barnet Tours
Physic Well Access
Archive Research
School Workshops
Lecture Series
Heritage Publications
Group Visits
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- We offer unparalleled access to 800 years of Barnet's history through curated exhibitions and archives.
- Our volunteer experts provide guided research and educational programs for schools and families.
- We manage the only officially registered battlefield in Greater London, the Battle of Barnet site.
- Our award-winning curator leads innovative heritage projects and community engagement initiatives.
- We maintain the historic Physic Well, a 17th-century landmark restored with Historic England funding.
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England (Museum Accreditation Scheme)
Services
Museum Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase Barnet's history through artefacts dating from the Bronze Age to modern times. Visitors explore local heritage via rotating displays, including the Battle of Barnet collection and the Spires Exhibition Space. The museum provides contextual information and interactive elements to enhance visitor understanding.
Educational Programs
We deliver curriculum-linked educational sessions for schools, including handling historical toys and battlefield studies. Our programs cater to Key Stages 1-4, with specialist resources like the 1950s Reminiscence Box for dementia groups. Outreach services extend learning beyond our walls.
Battle of Barnet Project
This initiative focuses on England's most significant Wars of the Roses battlefield. We conduct archaeological surveys, publish research, and produce documentaries about the 1471 battle. The project includes battlefield walks and educational materials for historians and the public.
Physic Well Access
We manage public access to Barnet's 17th-century Physic Well, restored in 2018 with Historic England funding. Visitors explore the Tudor-style structure and learn about its medicinal water history through guided openings and informational displays.
Archive Research
Our extensive archive contains documents, photographs, and journals dating to the 1920s. Researchers access materials on Barnet's military history, family records, and urban development. We provide copying services and specialist assistance for academic and personal projects.
People
Mike
Curator
Award-winning curator Mike leads Barnet Museum with encyclopaedic knowledge of local history. He oversees collections, exhibitions, and the Battle of Barnet Project, receiving the Barnet Civic Award for his contributions to heritage preservation.
Martin Russell
Patron
Deputy Lieutenant Martin Russell, MBE, serves as Barnet Museum's patron. A dedicated ambassador, he opened our King Charles III coronation exhibition and champions local heritage through civic engagements and historical advocacy.
Questions
What are Barnet Museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Thursday 2:30-4:30pm, Saturday 10:30am-4pm, and Sunday 2:30-4:30pm. Closed Mondays and Fridays.
Is there a charge for museum entry?
No, admission to Barnet Museum is completely free for all visitors.
What historical periods does the museum cover?
Our collections span from the Bronze Age through the Wars of the Roses to 20th-century local history.
Can I access archive materials for research?
Yes, our archives are available for research with staff assistance. Copies can be made for a small charge.
Does the museum offer group visits?
Group visits are available outside opening hours with advance booking via email.
How can I purchase museum publications?
Books can be bought online via bank transfer or by post with cheques payable to Barnet Museum.
Reviews (6)
Vikash Chady
Nov 27, 2018
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If you live in Barnet this is something that you'd want to visit at least once. It is very informative about the past of Barnet and how it came to be as it is today. The staff are all friendly and very knowledgeable about their exhibitions. The museum itself is quite small but there is still lots to look at. I wild not recommend this for children as it can be dreadfully boring.
Lyonsdown Hall
Sep 10, 2018
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Thank you for the excellent talk on Richard III delivered at John The Baptist church this afternoon. Alison gave a hugely informative presentation, jammed with facts and delivered with authority. The audience was rapt from start to finish! More of the same please.
David Bethge
Jul 23, 2018
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Olde Worlde museum and so on nice ... time waster if your not sure what's to do and have time to use up... Very interestingly informative
Martin Smith
Jan 15, 2018
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Interesting collection of objects from various times (Battle of Barnet to post WW2) spread over three floors. Not huge but well worth a visit if in the area. Friendly people will answer all your questions on the exhibits.
Mark Charrington
Oct 12, 2017
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Local historical museum with enthusiastic staff and interesting exhibits. Free so there is no reason not to visit, on the way out you can pick up one of their local guide pamphlets for 1.50.
A. User
Dec 17, 2016
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Fantastic visit, informative volunteers who are clearly passionate about what they do. Would recommend to anyone to visit.
