The history of the Crystal Palace is kept alive here at the museum and tells the story of both the Hyde Park and Sydenham Crystal Palaces. Housed in the only surviving building constructed by the Crystal Palace Company built around 1880 as a lecture room for the Crystal Palace Company’s School of Practical Engineering. The story of both palaces is told in a series of unique images supplemented by large scaled models of the Crystal Palace plus showcases displaying ceramics and other items associated with the Crystal Palace including remnants from the original building. Adjacent to the museum is the base of Brunel’s water tower.
The Museum was opened on 17th June 1990 by the Duke of Devonshire after eleven years of campaigning by local enthusiasts. During this time exhibits were acquired, usually through generous donations by members of the public, classified and catalogued.
The museum is an incorporated registered charity managed by a Board of Trustees. It is accredited by the Arts Council and is a member of AIM (The Association of Independent Museums).
The Crystal Palace Museum trustees endeavour to ensure visitors enjoy the experience of their visit and welcome any feedback in this respect.
To discover the full history of the Crystal Palace from beginning to end can take on average up to one hour.
On the first Sunday of each month (April to October), at 12 noon, the museum give guided tours of the historic Crystal Palace site. The next tour will be on Sunday 4th October. The tour starts from the museum. Tickets £3.50 (concessions apply) are available, on the day, from the museum
