Our Mission

To preserve and share widely the ground-breaking stories of the Thames Tunnel project and the outstanding achievements of the Brunel family and their relevance to our lives today. We inspire communities through exploration, learning and performance.

Brunel’s First Project

Scheduled Ancient Monument, International Landmark, Oldest Tunnel in the Oldest Underground in the World

The Brunel Museum is open 12:00 to 17:00 Monday-Saturday; and 13:00 to 17:00 on Sundays with late openings for special events. A small museum, but a big story drawing visitors locally and from all over the world. Below the trains still run through the Tunnel. The Museum gardens are always open…

Brunel’s Last Project

Biggest Ship in the World, First Modern Ocean Liner, the Ship that Changed Everything

In the lower gallery an exhibition about Brunel’s greatest ship. A few hundred yards down the river on the Isle of Dogs, the launch ways of SS Great Eastern are accessible by Thames Clipper via Masthouse Terrace Pier or by our London Walk 10.40 everyday. The launch ways are always open…

Brunel’s Grand Entrance Hall

Underground Chamber half the size of Shakespeare’s Globe

After 150 years the chamber is open every day for heritage talks and lectures. Also advertised evenings for concerts, opera, and theatre. Details of these events, guided walks, heritage boat trips, shows and garden events can be found on the What’s On pages. Also available for society visits and private events.

The Grand Entrance Hall, where young Brunel nearly drowned, was the world’s first underground theatre. Before the trains came, the chamber echoed with applause for acrobats, tightrope walkers and serenaders. Under the National Heritage Landmarks Partnership Scheme, and with support from the Association of Independent Museums and Biffa, the Museum has fitted out a spectacular new gallery and underground theatre.

Our people

Staff

We have recently appointed a new Museum Director, who will start mid-January. Our Learning and Volunteer Manager is Clara Pereira and our Heritage Manager is Julian Ayres. Part-time Finance and Business Administrator is Sarah Kuklewicz. For any enquiries please email us on: hello@thebrunelmuseum.com or phone on: 020 7231 3840 during opening hours.

Volunteers

Our volunteers range in length of service from seven years to one week and from actors to engineers. Read about our fantastic volunteers and why they enjoy sharing the Brunel stories so much.  Meet Our Volunteers.

Trustees

Our trustees make sure we are run properly and help decide strategy: Dana Skelley OBE (Chair), Peronel Craddock, Tiffany Grimwade, Andrew McManus, Nick Mansell, Maureen Nolan, Jane Stancliffe, Kathy Adams (Hon Treasurer). Meet Our Trustees.

Further information

More information about the charity and its finances, including its Annual Reports, can be found at the Charity Commission website.

Company limited by guarantee No. 2488877. Registered Charity No. 1003287. Accredited Museum RD1961