(Photo: Robert Hulse, Brunel Museum)
Open:
Saturday 10:00–17:00
+ Sunday 10:00–17:00
Description:
The museum, situated above the Thames Tunnel, has sculpture gardens and newly opened hanging gardens over the tunnel with stunning river views. A staircase descends into the Grand Entrance Hall, a huge underground amphitheatre where Isambard Kingdom Brunel's illustrious career began.
Below the gardens, a magnificent underwater grotto stretches under the River Thames. Especially for OGSW, the 120 columns and Doric capitals are floodlit and visible from the train. The archways are now empty, but they once held shops, tightrope-walkers, sword-swallowers and fire-eaters in the world's first underwater fair!
To the north, a brick-paved square and café overlook the river. Benches shaped like Brunel bridges sit beneath false acacia trees (one held together by huge stainless steel bolts). The mural is from a painting by Marc Brunel, acquired with help from the Art Fund.
To the south, the Thames Tunnel marquee overlooks a sheltered garden stocked with shrubs and trees chosen by Brunel for his château in Watcombe, Devon.
Next to a Great Eastern grinding wheel, a picnic table, shaped like a ship, seats 20 people. The wood and ceramic bas-relief design shows how the tunnel was built. Concrete fishes by Liz Leyh ring the shaft.
The Brunel Museum from Rotherhithe has been announced as one of 103 UK volunteering groups to win this year’s The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups.
The prestigious National Honour recognises outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others. It sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, with the work of those awarded being judged of the highest standard.
The Brunel Museum has received the Award for restoring a Scheduled Ancient Monument on the site of Brunel’s First Project. The museum and gardens now host a busy programme of community events and school visits.
Activities:
Floodlit tours of underwater grotto £5 (bookable on day).
Further details (Word format) »
Free museum entry and film.
Staircase open to underground amphitheatre.
Self-guided tours of sculpture garden.
John Christopher, author of the recently published book
Isambard Kingdom Brunel through Time, will be at the museum to sign copies during Open Garden Squares Weekend.
Entrance:
Railway Avenue
Nearest postcode: SE16 4LF
Sells tickets.
Buses:
47, 188, 225, 381
Station:
Rotherhithe (London Overground)
Access:
Museum & garden fully accessible; but underground amphitheatre, roof garden & grotto severely restricted, by temporary stairs only. Contact us for details.
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 02/06/2010