It is necessary to book timed ticketing slots to enter Sir John Soane's Museum.
Timed tickets are also be needed to enter our exhibitions Lumière Mystérieuse, Soane's Light, Paul Coldwell: Picturing the Invisible, and Hogarth: Place and Progress. You can also experience Hogarth: Place and Progress by purchasing a ticket to one of our Friday Hogarth Lates or our Saturday extended openings.
Timed tickets are free. As you book we hope you will consider making a £10 contribution towards the preservation of the Museum and our programme of free exhibitions.
Please note that timed tickets are not available to book online on the day. A limited number of tickets are issued on the door on a first come first served basis. For more information, please read our FAQs below.
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What to expect
Because some areas of the Museum are narrow we will give you a clear plastic bag for any small items you’d like to carry. Unfortunately, we can’t store large objects such as suitcases, large rucksacks, prams or bikes and mobile phones and photography are not permitted inside the Museum. If you are visiting to see the Picture Room planes, please see the Picture Room timetable before booking your tickets.
For more information about your visit and to find accessibility information, please go to our Plan Your Visit page.
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FAQs
Where can I learn about getting to the Museum, photography policy, the cloakroom and so on?
For more information about your visit and to find accessibility information, please go to our Plan Your Visit page.
Is entry to the Museum still free?
Yes. We encourage all visitors to make a donation to the Museum when booking. Donations can be added when choosing an entry time slot.
How do I present my ticket?
Your email confirmation serves as your ticket. This can be printed off or shown on your phone.
Can I get a timed ticket on the day?
We strongly advise booking online in advance. There are a very limited amount of tickets available on the door, which are issued on a first come first served basis, but wait times are likely to be high if tickets are not available.
Once I am inside, how long can I stay in the Museum?
There is no time limit on your visit but we do not allow re-entries into the Museum.
What happens if I miss my entry time?
Latecomers may not be admitted but we will do our best to let people in as and when the capacity of the Museum permits. If the slot has not sold out then you will be allowed to enter.
How far in advance can I book?
Timed tickets are available up to 3 months in advance.
Can I get a refund for my timed ticket?
Timed tickets are free, but if you should decide to cancel your visit to the Museum, we encourage you to notify us so we can re-release the timeslot for another visitor.
I have already booked a ticket to a Highlights tour. Do I need to book a timed ticket as well?
No. Simply present your highlights tour ticket when you enter the Museum.
I am a member of the Friends of the Soane or Patrons Circle. Do I need a timed ticket?
As timed tickets allow us to regulate numbers in the Museum, we do require Friends and Patrons to book timed tickets before their visit, but our Development Manager Kezia Evans is on hand to help our supporters should they need any specific help. You can contact Kezia on 020 7440 4243 or at kevans@soane.org.uk.
Do children require timed tickets?
Yes, children still require timed tickets.
I couldn’t book a time I wanted. How else can I book entry to the Museum?
We recommend booking a ticket for one of our Friday Soane Lates, or extended Saturday evening openings, Spotlight on Hogarth. These spectacularly-lit after hours events guarantee entry to the Museum. See our available Lates here >
I have a disability or access requirements. Do I book a timed ticket or should I call beforehand?
All guests are required to book in advance but due to the complex route around our historic buildings we request that you call in advance to discuss your needs. This will ensure that your requirements are met during your visit. Contact us in advance on 020 7405 2107 or email admin@soane.org.uk
I want to book a timed ticket as a gift for someone else.
To book a timed ticket as a gift for someone else, simply get that person to present the booking confirmation, either printed off or on a phone.
I want to book a timed ticket for my tour group.
Bookings are capped at 8. For more information about visiting the Museum as a larger group, see our Groups page.
Why has Sir John Soane’s Museum introduced timed ticketing?
Timed ticketing has been introduced for August, September, and the duration of our upcoming exhibition, Hogarth: Place and Progress, which are expected to be very busy times. By booking timed tickets, visitors will be able to guarantee an entry time to the Museum, and avoid disappointment.
Timed ticketing will also prevent overcrowding, as due to the density and fragility of the Collection, only a limited number of people can be in the Museum at any one time.