The Fan Museum

London

Book The Fan Museum tickets & explore the world’s only museum dedicated to the history of fans

Discover The Fan Museum in Greenwich, a beautifully restored pair of Georgian townhouses and explore a unique collection of historic fans, craftsmanship and culture.

  • Explore thousands of exquisitely crafted fans from around the world
  • See rotating exhibitions that change several times a year
  • Discover the art, history, and design behind fan-making
  • Enjoy the elegant Orangery and tranquil Japanese-style garden
  • Visit the only museum in the UK devoted entirely to hand fans

Explore extraordinary craftsmanship, artistry & history - right in the heart of Greenwich

  • Under 6's go free!
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages
  • Duration: Approx. 45 - 75 minutes
  • Location: 12 Crooms Hill, Greenwich, London, SE10 8ER 
  • Tickets include: Access to permanent displays & rotating exhibitions 

Gathered from across the world, the diverse collections span 1,000+ years of fan history & culture

The Fan Museum houses two collections of international renown: the Hélène Alexander Collection of fans, fan leaves & associated materials (formed & privately owned by the Museum’s founder) and The Fan Museum Trust Collection comprising gifts, bequests, and major acquisitions. Gathered from across the World & encompassing more than 1,000 years of fan history & culture, together the two collections exceed 7,000 objects.

Wander through galleries filled with fans dating from the 11th century to modern day, learn how fans were made and used across cultures, and explore themed exhibitions that highlight fashion, politics, craftsmanship, and more.

  • View rare fans spanning over a thousand years of history 
  • Learn about fan‑making, global traditions & decorative techniques
  • See themed exhibitions that refresh 2–3 times a year
  • Enjoy an intimate museum setting inside Grade II listed Georgian houses
  • Relax in a beautiful Orangery overlooking a fan‑shaped Japanese garden
  • Educational displays suitable for all ages

Book The Fan Museum tickets today & have them delivered instantly via email & SMS. 

Location

The Fan Museum

12 Crooms Hill,
London,
SE10 8ER
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How to find us

By Train

  • Short walk from the Greenwich overground / DLR station and the Greenwich Cutty Sark DLR.
  • Greenwich Station | 7 minutes walk (0.3 miles)
  • Direct line from London Bridge and Cannon Street to the north, Dartford and Barnehurst to the South.
  • Cutty Sark DLR | 5 minutes walk (0.2 miles)
  • Direct Docklands Light Railway connections from Bank, Tower Gateway, Stratford and Lewisham.
  • Please note that the escalators at Cutty Sark DLR are sometimes out of order and there are 121 stairs between the platform and street level. TfL has planned the closure of this station from 31st May 20205 until next spring.

By Bus

  • Greenwich is well-served by direct bus routes from Sidcup, Catford and Peckham to the South, Russell Square, Waterloo and Woolwich to the North and East.
  • Connecting Route Numbers: 177, 180, 188, 199, 286, 386

By Car

If you are driving to the Fan Museum there are a number of Pay & Display car parks nearby.

  • Burney Street | 2 minutes walk (0.1 miles) | Burney Street, London SE10 8EX
  • Cutty Sark Gardens | 5 minutes walk (0.2 miles) | Cutty Sark Gardens, London SE10 9HT
  • Greenwich Park North | 7 minutes walk (0.5 miles) | Blackheath Gate, Charlton Way, London SE10 8QY
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
More Info
Is The Fan Museum wheelchair accessible?
  • Staff can assist visitors with a portable folding ramp (153cm long × 77cm wide), suitable for the single step into the courtyard and the three steps to the front door.
  • Two manual wheelchairs are available on request.
  • A flight of internal stairs with a handrail leads to the First Floor; steps also connect to the Orangery.
  • A staff‑operated lift provides access to all levels, with at least one keyholding staff member always present.
  • The Orangery is directly accessible via the lift during private functions.
  • Guide dogs are permitted; no other pets are allowed.
  • Prams and pushchairs may be stored in the Reception Room but cannot be taken into exhibition areas.
  • Visitors with disabilities and their carers receive free admission.
  • Complimentary audio guides are available for ground‑floor galleries; written, large‑print versions and magnifying sheets are provided on request (currently English only).
  • Lighting is kept at medium levels throughout for conservation, except during special events.
  • Digital events are offered seasonally for those unable to visit, and the collection can be explored online.
  • Staff receive regular training in assisting visitors with access needs, including emergency procedures.
  • Visitor feedback regarding accessibility is welcomed by the General Manager via phone or email.
Is The Fan Museum suitable for children?

Yes, The Fan Museum is suitable for all ages. 

What facilities are there at The Fan Museum in Greenwich?
  • The interior of The Fan Museum is made up of our ground floor permanent display spaces – the Yellow Room, Green Room – the Museum Shop and the first floor Gallery, which hosts our temporary exhibitions.
  • Toilets are available inside for Museum visitors on the ground- and first- floors. Accessible toilet facilities can be found on the ground floor along with baby changing facilities.
  • Whilst The Fan Museum has storage space for coats and bags, our cloakroom capacity is very limited. Only handbags and small backpacks are allowed into the Museum. You may be asked to carry small backpacks by hand or to wear them on your front.
  • Lightweight, carbon fibre, folding stools are readily available to visitors throughout the Museum.
  • The Museum prefers to take cashless payments where possible.

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