BOW STREET POLICE MUSEUM CELEBRATES its 1ST BIRTHDAY

This May half-term Bow Street Police Museum celebrates one year since the doors to one of London’s most famous police stations reopened. To help mark this momentous occasion it has a jam-packed schedule of events exploring the history of law and order in Covent Garden.

The programme begins on the evening of Thursday 26th May with Curator, Jen Kavanagh, who will be sharing some of the behind-the-scenes stories of how the partnerships and content included in the Museum all came together. The talk includes a Q&A, and will be held at the Museum and streamed online.

For anyone visiting on Saturday 28th May a slice of Birthday cake will be on offer, baked by the Executive Chef of the NoMad London Hotel, and the first 30 visitors will receive an original Bow Street Police Museum art print.

Sunday 29th May sees the launch of our brand-new guided tour of Covent Garden in collaboration with The Royal Opera House. ‘Stages and Cells’ explores Covent Garden of the 17th-19th centuries, and delves into the relationship between theatre and crime. Discover scandalous theatrical characters, murderous players, corrupt Magistrates, and explore how the heart of London’s theatrical community impacted the way law and order was dispensed on London’s streets. Tours will take place on the last Sunday of every month, and tickets can be booked via The Royal Opera House website.

During the second half of the holiday, you will find us joining in the fun at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Party being held at the Actors Church (St Pauls, Covent Garden) on Friday 3rd June, 12pm – 6pm. Don’t miss your chance to meet with the team, chat to a former Bow Street police officer, as well as take part in activities designed to test the investigation skills of all budding young detectives

On Saturday 4th June there will be another opportunity to join our acclaimed ‘Of Mollies and Men’ guided tour. From the Molly Houses of the 18th Century, the arrest and trial of Oscar Wilde, to the laws protecting LGBTQ+ people today, this tour explores how law and order governed the lives of queer identifying people throughout history, sharing stories of the people who dared to be themselves.

Throughout the whole of May Half-Term, the Museum will operate normal opening hours, Friday – Sunday, 11am – 4.30pm. Families visiting the Museum can pick up an activity trail, take part in activities and get hands on with our object handling collection.

Tickets to visit the Museum, as well as attendance at any of our events, can be booked online via our website. We recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

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