HereWeGo
June 8, 2026 • 3 min read
Discover the Foundling Museum, a place that holds heartwarming stories of abandoned children. Useful information and experiences not to be missed.
Discovering the Foundling Museum
The Foundling Museum, located in London’s Bloomsbury district, tells the poignant stories of children without parents dating back to the 18th century. Established in 1739, it is more than just a museum; it stands as a symbol of love and support for orphaned and abandoned children.
This site was once the Foundling Hospital, which was not a hospital in the traditional sense, but a refuge for abandoned children. The children admitted here were often orphans or those whose parents had to relinquish them due to dire circumstances.
Historical Significance
The Foundling Museum is surrounded by the beautiful green space of Coram’s Fields, which was once part of the original hospital grounds. Notably, all adults entering the museum must be accompanied by children under 16, creating a safe and welcoming environment for families.
Behind the museum lies the inspiring story of Captain Thomas Coram, who fought for 17 years to establish this institution to protect and care for homeless children he encountered daily. In 1739, he received the first royal charter from King George II, which is now proudly displayed in the museum.
Stories Left Behind
Each child brought to the Foundling was given a new name and a numbered tag, along with a piece of fabric from their parent's clothing for identification. These pieces of fabric offered hope to parents wishing to reunite with their children in the future. Eventually, tokens such as coins, medals, and even hazelnuts were used for identification.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
The Museum and Art
The Foundling Museum is not only a repository of memories about children but also the first public art museum in London. It showcases works from many renowned artists, including William Hogarth, who contributed a portrait of Thomas Coram. He was also a vigorous supporter of fundraising activities for the hospital.
Inside, visitors can admire a rich collection of artwork from famous artists of the time. The library houses many valuable documents, including manuscripts by conductor George Frideric Handel, who organized numerous fundraising performances for the hospital.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
When planning a visit to the Foundling Museum, be mindful of its opening hours. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Mondays. Admission is £14.50 (approximately 450,000 VND) for adults, and free for those under 21.
Vietnamese travelers do not need a visa for stays under 6 months in the UK, but should ensure they have a round-trip ticket and sufficient funds for their trip. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi to London typically range from 15 million to 30 million VND, depending on the booking period.
Concluding the Journey
If you want to experience a slice of Victorian London, visit Shaftesbury Avenue, home to many theaters. Recently, I enjoyed the musical "Oliver" at the Gielgud Theatre—an experience not to be missed for culture and art lovers.
A trip to the Foundling Museum will surely leave you with deep emotions and reflections on the role of art in transforming the lives of society's less fortunate children.
Article reference and editing from: The Travel Magazine
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