The Fan Museum

387 reviews

12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER, United Kingdom

www.thefanmuseum.org.uk

+442083051441

About

The Fan Museum is a Museum located at 12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER, United Kingdom. It has received 387 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of The Fan Museum: 12 Crooms Hill, London SE10 8ER, United Kingdom

  • The Fan Museum has 4.5 stars from 387 reviews

  • Museum

  • "Not an expensive venue to visit, I visited this in hopes of learning more about the history of fans and seeing lots of different types of historical fans"

    "FANtastic museum! If you thought like me, that fans are only those made from paper when you were young , then you were very wrong"

    "Gaza City – Ibrahim Jahsan’s young family has been sheltering at the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City since the war began"

    "Charming and well presented, a true gem! We visited the Fan Museum for a friend's birthday and it was a truly lovely experience"

    "Obviously the place to go if you're a fan fan, but still quite interesting if you're generally curious or creative"

Reviews

  • Paul S

Not an expensive venue to visit, I visited this in hopes of learning more about the history of fans and seeing lots of different types of historical fans. There are fans there, and perhaps because they are such a small Museum that the fans they have are limited as there isn't enough display units, but I left underwhelmed with the variety. Sometimes the cases would say something about a historical fan, but it isn't there and then there isn't an image of it either. The fans seemed to lead up to the modern era, however it felt cramped as well as limited. Some nice displays, the main feature was their temporary exhibition which dominated the space upstairs, and indeed included fans. However so much space was given to it that I felt like the actual main Museum wasn't given enough attention. The temporary exhibition was nice, but I left wanting more. I thought the shop was over stuffed with items and not with as nearly as many affordable items as I'd expect. Most items were highly priced or just tacky things. There was a small place for tea which looked nice but I didn't participate. Overall I felt that the place was disappointing, having travelled 2 hours to specifically visit it, the staff in the shop were so busy that they didn't have time for questions and the customers were rather rude and overbearing. The gallery staff essentially just took your money and that's it, I felt as though I was interrupting their busy day quite frankly. I think if you're staying in the area and are bored with some time to kill and have an interest in fans and you've exhausted the historic streets and other Museums then this place is worth a visit, but only for maybe 30 minutes. If you aren't even interested in fans, then quite honestly I'm not sure what the point is. It certainly isn't a destination, nor is it really worth the rather low amount they charge for entry (at least it is relatively cheap) especially amongst some of the best known Museums in the capital nearby, this is fairly low on the priority visit.

  • cristi cristian

FANtastic museum! If you thought like me, that fans are only those made from paper when you were young , then you were very wrong. I was blown away to learn about the history of fans and the variety of these beautiful and elegant masterpieces. The collection has fans made out even from turtle shells or very rare feathers. Apart from receiving awards from aboard, the museum is linked even to the queen through the fans they provided to her. The staff is extremely friendly and will assist and answer any question you may have, especially the manager, who is an awesome guy. They also have an orangery where you can enjoy a cup of tea but you need to book it in advance. Toilets are free to use. A small shop will provide exciting souvenirs. The ticket is only £5 and you will receive a useful audio guide.

  • Jumana Alrayyan

Gaza City – Ibrahim Jahsan’s young family has been sheltering at the Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City since the war began. One of Gaza’s 1,000 Christians, Jahsan never doubted the church was a safe space for him, his pregnant wife and two children aged five and six. The Greek Orthodox church – the oldest in the city, located in the Zaytoun neighbourhood – has traditionally served as a sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims during Israel’s periodic wars against Gaza. The church was sheltering hundreds of people when an Israeli bomb severely damaged one of the four buildings in its compound on Thursday evening, causing its ceiling to collapse and leaving dozens trapped under slabs of concrete, according to witnesses.

  • Komi Verma

Charming and well presented, a true gem! We visited the Fan Museum for a friend's birthday and it was a truly lovely experience. The museum isn't very large, so you can can see all the displays and exhibits in less than hour. The venue itself is immaculately well kept, there are helpful audio guides and the staff are really friendly and helpful. The washrooms are equally charming and then there's the delightful Orangery, where you can have an afternoon tea (though this is really a cream tea with some cake options after - no sandwiches). The tea was perfect - just the right amount, you could get refills and they catered for gluten free wonderfully (though you do need to give them a few days notice). Highly recommended!

  • Mark Norman

Obviously the place to go if you're a fan fan, but still quite interesting if you're generally curious or creative. Entrance includes an audio guide. Displays of different types of fan, construction methods, the materials used (metals, ivory, fabrics etc). Subject matter of fans extends to political commentary, souvenirs of Royal events, surreal cartoons and art in general. In my opinion the introductory video right at the start of the exhibition is informative but overly long (you can skip it if you want of course). There is a tearoom downstairs but I didn't get time to visit. Staff are friendly and attentive. There is a cloakroom available and a shop selling (amongst other things) fans!

  • PuissantCroissant

Spent about an hour here, it was such a lovely experience! Staff were friendly aswell There are so many beautiful fans to see alongside listening to an audio guide and reading the infoboxes on the side - learned quite a lot today £5 is also a good deal for this place :) It's a lot smaller than most mainstream galleries/museums, but there's still quite a few things to see. You don't have to prebook in advance which is also great If you're a lover of fans/rococo history/ beautiful things and you've got an hour to spare, this place is definitely worth it Definitely coming here again with family
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Matthew Hamilton

I traveled to London from Yorkshire on Wednesday for my first visit to this museum where I had an appointment with Mrs Alexander, a lovely lady and the founder. She has agreed to 'conserve' my Grandmothers Edwardian lace fan which I inherited 63 years ago and unfortunately has deteriorated over the years. Thank you very much to Mrs Alexander and her very informative staff for making me feel welcome. The Fan Museum is wonderful and well worth a visit, my favourite fan in the current exhibition is 'The Pansy Fan'. Unfortunately The Orangery is closed on Wednesdays so I was unable to sample the cakes etc., but will look forward to Afternoon Tea on my return visit.

  • Jessica Sinclair

Lovely wee and charming museum housed in a Georgian house, garden and orangery café. Don't go on Wednesday as the café is not open! Houses many beautiful fans made from a variety of different materials from all around the world. Some are many hundreds of years old! Admission is £5 and well worth it! One of London's hidden gems. In close proximity to St Alfege Church, Greenwich Picture House, Greenwich Market, Greenwich Park, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Theatre, The Cutty Sark, The Gipsy Moth, The River Thames, Greenwich Foot Tunnel, The Prime Meridian, The Royal Observatory, etc. Nearest station is Greenwich.

  • leeanna1981

My friend had already paid in advance for us to be told when we got there that part of the museum was closed for a fan workshop. The café was also closed. I thought it rather cheeky of the museum to charge her and then tell us that half the museum was closed off when we got there. The shopkeeper was also a little stuffy and stuck up. I found the place rather disappointing and pretentious. I wouldn't recommend it if you are not a monarchist or if you do not enjoy the fact that it reeks of colonialism.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Vaclav Brewin

The museum actually possess's the world's most important single collection of famous fan leaves and associated items that go into making the fans. The examples in the museum include numerous exquisite designs- a selection of which is presented in an exhibition for public viewing every four months.Other than the fans,the buildings at 10-12 Croom Hill are of great interest as well. They are a pair of Grade 11 listed buildings dating back to 1712;and have been lovingly restored, to retain much of their previous facade in as authentic a fashion as is possible.

  • Angelos Manousaridis

A museum about fans. Ok, that might not sound so exciting, but this quirky little museum is very cute. First of all it is worth entering just to have a look on the building, its a lovely old house. Then there is the staff which is most helpful and cheerful. The exhibits are well documented, you can spend quite some time reading it all. And as a bonus, there is an extremely cute coffee/tea place at the back overlooking the garden, probably worth coming only for this!

  • Keeley Southern

A lovely quaint museum away from the noise of London. Saw many beautiful fans and learnt a lot about the history of the different types. They also had an exhibition on upstairs about Royal fans and it was lovely to see it through the ages and how glamorous ornamental fans can be. They have a free audio guide which was brilliantly designed and very informative. Would recommend if you have the time in Greenwich.

  • Madeleine Lehane

Really charming place. Beautiful building and amazing fans - intricate, astounding designs, made from all manner of materials eg feathers, ivory, tortoiseshell; many are hundreds of years old. The Orangery where we ate is particularly beautiful. Staff are wonderful and audio guides helpful. Recommend a visit! Free to over 60s one day a week and always half price to National Trust members.

  • Aliaa M. Abaza

A beautiful place where you get to learn about fans and how they are made. The collection includes some very old fans as well as fans from different countries, made with different materials. The Orangery is a beautiful tea room with hand painted walls overlooking the garden. Afternoon tea there is not to be missed but must be booked in advance. Staff are very sweet and helpful.

  • Joanna Head

We had afternoon tea and a lovely time here. It was £8 each for tea, scones and a selection of cakes. Staff were really helpful and found gluten free options at short notice. The orangery is really cute and feels a world away from the bustle of Greenwich. I'd definitely recommend it for something different to do. The museum itself is small but it's perfect for a browse!

  • Rachana Doshi

Very fascinating place located in greenwich. I was amazed and awed by the exquisite collection of fans. It was like a window to the old world. The charming fans and the delicate work on them is something to observe. This place is very beautiful and should definitely be visited. See the orangery. You can buy some fancy things at the in house store. Just mind blowing.

  • Richard Commin

Small but interesting museum, will teach you all you need to know about fans. Takes just under an hour to explore. Would recommend afternoon tea in the orangey, delicious cakes, scenic garden view, unfortunately you can't enter the garden, cost not too expensive, booking recommended for the tea. Good way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Helpful and friendly staff.

  • Bjoern Altmann

The admission for adults is £5. It’s certainly an interesting place to visit, maybe especially when doing research. There is an audio guide you can borrow at no extra charge. I found it to be a bit small (two rooms on the ground floor and two on the first. As it is a Georgian townhouse one cannot tell from the outside.) It should also be aired once in a while.

  • Chris Farge

I have up to now only seen fans as props in period dramas. Visiting this museum has introduced me to a fascinating world! As well as the wonderful artefacts on display, the amazing staff make this a wonderful experience. As well as having an awesome knowledge their enthusiasm makes this a truly memorable visit. Many thanks for a lovely afternoon!

  • Eva Voula

So kid friendly and a thought out kid activity sheet. I took my daughter and 2 sons and honestly worried if they would be interested. But the activity sheet was more of a treasure hunt. Very interesting stories and informative boards. Staff welcomed us with a familial warmth and the orangery was stunning. Would love to go back for a cream tea!

  • Kat

Small but lovely museum with great display of beautiful items. Comprised of 2 rooms, but don't let it fool you, it's a mine of knowledge about fans! The staff was very friendly and helpful and so easy to talk to! There is also very nice gift shop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Sam Sant

Lovely little museum tucked away in Greenwich, really recommend if you’re looking for something unique to do. I needed to visit here for some university work I’ve been doing and it was perfect for what I needed. Lovely staff.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Claudia Estrada

Beautiful place, this is a museum different from other, it has history beginning with the house it self. The Fan Collection its magnificent, the people that work in it are very kind, they know all about it, in the tea room the waitress was very good at her job. I will go back with my daughter to it.

  • Tobias Rank

We recently held our wedding ceremony at the Fan Museum’s Orangery. The room is perfect for an intimate wedding and everyone loved it. Sophie has been superb in preparing for the event and made sure everything runs smoothly on the day itself. Thanks a lot for having us. Happy to recommend!

  • Adam Holland

Afternoon cream tea here is a must when visiting; great value and there's a good choice of teas served in a nice setting. The museum itself is best described as interesting, if a little niche. A trip around the exhibits won't take longer than 15-30mins depending on your level of interest.

  • Ka Wing Wong

I'm so happy I've picked Orangery to hold my wedding lunch reception. It is beautifully decorated, food is nice and the staff are really helpful and nice. I was even lucky enough to have the sun with me on the day. Everything is just perfect! We'll sure come again for our anniversary :D

  • Kiersten F

Neat place, off the beaten path. Many beautiful fans on display, and entrance fee was very reasonable. Staff was friendly. I was given a little info binder to help me understand the exhibits. It is fairly small, so more of a short visit. They have a gift shop and orangerie as well.

  • Ann Assumpta

Absolutely gorgeous exhibition of fans in a beautiful Georgian House. Had not expected it to be so special, many of the fans are works of art. Also delightful and friendly staff. Wish I had not waited so long to visit, it will be on my regular tour of London galleries from now on.

  • Eleanor E

Very quaint little museum with frequently changing exhibitions. The staff were all very helpful and the audio guide was very informative. Probably takes no more than an hour to see everything.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Niya D.

The place is very nice and the people working there are very helpful and friendly. The exhibits on the first floor are also narrated and you can listen about their story and how they’re made.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Drake

One of the cheapest places in London to get high tea, dining area was very nice. Beautiful artwork, very nice/attentive waitresses, ALL the food was DELICIOUS. Museum itself was a little dull, only takes about 10ish minutes to go through & you paid for it so why not.

  • Kourosh Keshavarz

It is exactly what it claims to be., a museum of fans. I wasn't impressed but my family loved it. They even had an activity for children to try and find some exhibits. If you are visiting it pays to stay for the afternoon tea. A great selection of cakes and scones.

  • alison L

Fascinating about the history of flags. Some beautiful examples. An hour ample time for a visit. Shop has some pretty algifts and modern books to learn about fans. Glad I visited.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Khyati Chauhan

The theme for this exhibition was 'Coronations and Celebrations'. It was amazing. It was worth going there. The staff members are all very friendly and welcoming. There is also a gift shop, I bought a fan bookmark
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

  • Charles Miller

I absolutely love fans. I'm fans' biggest fan. Doesn't get any better than this. Can't believe I was in touching distance of so many majestic and thought-provoking fans. I hadn't been that excited since I saw the sock exhibition the other week. Awe inspiring.

  • Linda Oconnor

Wonderful and an amazing selection of fans Well worth a visit. Its a small museum but its packed with interesting fans and information Friendly staff Very enjoyable
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Sofi A

The museum is really great. Two floors full with different fans from simple shaped to extravagant from different ages. In addition, the orangery tea place in the museum offers a great opportunity to enjoy some tea and feel like a British royalty.

  • Alp Ozen

Welcome to the great museum for fans, where you can admire priceless artefacts and historical treasures... and sorry folks, but there won't be any OnlyFans content on display. You'll have to go elsewhere for your fix of questionable material!

  • Tanya Lake

Small collection of fans, beautifully displayed in a lovely 18th century house. There is a small collection of fans on the ground floor and a gift shop. Upstairs is another collection showcased in two rooms which are open plan. You can view

  • John Burgess

A really delightful miniature - and it is miniature - museum, with some simply exquisitely beautiful pieces inside it. A collection of love, with the most helpful volunteers to guide you round. Truly one of a kind. Take a detour to visit it.

  • 姜大卫的复仇

The ticket staff made us very embarrassed because of the student card, of course we are architectural students coming for special architectural related fan exhibition. But she seems to be very awkward and checked student card for 5 minutes

  • Lea Höfliger

We had a fantastic time at the fan museum: First the interesting tour seeing beautiful, often also ancient artwork, then the delicious afternoon tea, which is great value for your money and takes place in the wonderfully magical Orangerie.

  • Suzanne Kayne

A really interesting museum with the most beautiful fans. Spent about 2 hours there. Although we did not visit The Orangery it looked a lovely place for afternoon tea. Will definitely go again when their new exhibition starts on 4 June

  • Ambra Vestri

Nice museum with a lot of very peculiar fans and a very kind founder lady that we had the occasion to meet... it's possible to enjoy also a perfect english tea (scone, cake slice,sweet and tea) in the suggestive orangery for 9£!

  • G Q

Great little museum, cheap to get in and they serve a nice afternoon tea most days of the week, but would recommend checking their website before going. Museum is small, doesn't really take long to go around the whole thing.

  • Dharshani Lakmali Jayasinghe

Cute little museum devoted to the history of fans. It's small but very informative. I was quite impressed with the audio guide. Definitely worth stopping by on your way to the Greenwich Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.

  • Daniel Martinez Martinez

Unbelievable place. Unbelievable collection. Worth visiting, the lady that owns the place is there, charming lady with lots of knowledge. Nice to find a museum for 5 pounds with so much history. Highly recommended.

  • Frances Neligan

This is a small hidden gem in Greenwich. The exhibition is interesting, the orangery magnificent, and the cream teas great as well. You can use the ta room without paying to enter the museum. Well worth a visit

  • Haley

I went here with the London Pass. The museum itself is small but very interesting. The standout is The Orangery. Very beautiful and lovely afternoon tea. Worth visiting for that alone. Excellent scones.

  • Alexia Karakassis

Cool small museum specializing in fan- it’s the only fan museum in the world. Has a permanent exhibition in the ground and a variant in the first. The tea / orangery is very cool as well. Worth a visit

  • Emma Schouten

A small museum that you can walk through in five minutes. It's interesting and the fans are definitely pretty. I would have like to stay for afternoon tea but they weren't serving when I was there

  • Chris Lloyd

Lovely building. Fascinating and beautiful exhibits. Friendly and informative volunteers. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Anna Farra

Fans aren't just for keeping cool. They can be art! This museum has lots of pretty fans from different places and times. See if you can find the fanciest one.
Visited on
Public holiday

  • Abby Walker

Most underrated museum in London, stunning examples of Fans through different periods and a delightful cafe underneath in the Orangery with the best high tea i've had. Great value for money!

  • Federico Price

A gem of a museum - albeit a niche subject - in a beautiful and well preserved Georgian house in the centre of Greenwich. Some lovely fans in a very well presented environment. Thank you.

  • Bella

Interesting museum with lots of cool facts and beautiful fans. Can get round it in about 45 minutes, but worth having tea here too as the orangery is delightful and the food very yummy

  • Ellora Sutton

A really lovely and unique darling little museum with fans from all over the world, dating back to 1590! Very friendly members of staff and great value for money. A real hidden gem!

  • Dana

Charming little museum - for £5 this is good value. We spent about 20 min but if you are near the Greenwich park or observatory and you like fans it's a delightful side trip.

  • Jacqui Aldridge

Interesting collection of all kinds of fans, situated very close to the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. Worth visiting more than once with the different exhibitions.

  • Caz Webber

Beautifully laid out displays with a lovely cafeteria overlooking the garden in the heart of historic Greenwich and near the maritime museum and park. Well worth a visit.

  • Sue Harrison

Great place to visit especially when it rains. National Trust members get in for half price. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea down stairs in the Orangery for only £8.

  • Herbert Mattord

What a treat! This is a fun and unusual place to visit especially if your looking for Victorian details. My wife used this as a resource for her Steampunk course.

  • Frances Neligan

Wonderful little gem hidden away in Greenwich. Small, but informative, fan display. Wonderful orangery, which is also a great tea room. Reasonable charges.

  • David Clarke

Lovely little museum and if you use national trust membership you get discount. The tea room was lovely as was the choice of teas and cakes a hidden gem

  • Snag Breac

Disappointed not to find more Spanish fans. For a real enthusiast, I'd suggest the fan display at the Alcázar of Seville. Also their cafe is now closed.

  • Liv Wcislo

It was a really beautiful and informative place - it costs a few pounds for a ticket, but it’s worth it and you get a free audio guide tour with it.

  • Jean Hagon

Have visited several times. Exhibits changed regularly so always fresh. Have recommended this little gem to friends. Bought lovely fan earrings.

  • Tadej Strnad

a unique museum in greenwich, close to greenwich market
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Christine Barnes

Very interesting place to go and learn about the history of the fan.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • James Hasler

A real treasure trove. This is a delight and if you get the chance to visit their exhibitions are informative and like works of art.

  • Rene Zelkin

Very interesting, only 5 pounds to enter. Great tea for 9 pounds. Best kept secret in London for tea in a very quaint setting.

  • Jorge Simões

Small museum with great quality in exhibition of fans. If you are at Greenwich visit it and take a tea at Orangery

  • Janeta Watts

Such a joyous find. Lovely afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings. The fan museum itself was very interesting.

  • Victoria Alley

I didn't know how interesting fans could be, really enjoyed learning more about these beautiful things More

  • E Malara

Small museum in Greenwich that showcases fans from around the world but mostly from France and Asia.

  • Singlton Mark

This museum is a true wonder! The exhibits are remarkable, and I had a fantastic time.

  • Janet Duxbury

One of the places I've always wanted to visit. It met all my expectations and more.

  • Charlotte Cass

Fantastic collection of fans. A forgotten art. Get the audio guide.

  • Tudose “Teddy” Bogdan Costin

Very small but also very interesting! Should not be avoided!

  • Joanne Kite

£5 to go in unless you are national trust member

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