Exhibitions and Displays
My Model City
6 July-1 September 2019
My Model City, my dream today, our dreams tomorrow. What might the city of the future look like? And whose ideas, needs and dreams should shape it? My Model Citywill become the testing ground for a new vision of urban life, explored through an installation created by young people from Peckham Platform and the Horniman, in collaboration with muf architecture/art. Free.
Grasslands Garden
Now open
Wander through wild landscapes in the Grasslands Garden, featuring spectacular plants from North American prairie and South African grasslands. Celebrating critically threatened wild landscapes, the garden includes beautiful summer-flowering species such as yellow coneflowers, sword lilies and summer hyacinths.
Linked to the World Gallery, the naturalistic planting scheme was devised by Olympic Park designer James Hitchmough. Free.
Sunken Garden Brick Wonders-themed display
Flowering June to September
The summer bedding display in the Sunken Garden features lobelia, carex, petunias and marigolds in six colours, planted in rectangular and square blocks inspired by the LEGO® bricksin the Brick Wonders exhibition. Free.
Special Events
Plonk Crazy Golf
Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
Daily during school holidays
Until 27 October, 10am-5pm
Plonk is bringing back buckets of fun to the Horniman with a new exciting 9-hole family-friendly challenge. The course has wheelchair access and adapted putters, as well as putters for kids.
Tickets: Child £4, Adult £6, Group £13.50 (up to 4 people)
South London Music Sessions
Every Thursday, 4 July-8 August, 5.30-9.30pm
Enjoy live music and DJs along with spectacular views across London at these weekly gigs on the Horniman Bandstand. Performances in July are in partnership with Peckham-based radio station Balamii: South London Summer Series. Food and drink will be available from the Horniman Café’s Dutch Barn Bar. Free.
Trinity Laban Dance Festival
Sunday 7 July, 12-5pm
Enjoy a day of dance performances and workshops for all the family. Bring your dancing shoes and join in the fun! Free.
The Studio 2019 Workshops
Every Wednesday, 24 July-28 August, see the website for times
Take part in activities and making sessions where you can explore thread, fabric and recycled materials to unravel, loop, twist and knot. These workshops are led by the Horniman’s Studio Collective 2019. Everyone welcome. Free.
Family Day Rave with Big Fish Little Fish
Sunday 28 July, 2-6pm
Award-winning family favourites Big Fish Little Fish are back and taking over the Horniman Gardens for an afternoon of outdoor festival style raving fun. Dance outside with your family under bubbles and balloons to acid house, techno and drum and bass. With iconic DJ Alex Paterson (The Orb) and drum and bass legend Aphrodite on the decks plus Big Fish Little Fish residents Baker and Beale. Come dance, laugh, craft and be daft – see you on the dancefloor family ravers! Tickets: Child £12.50, Adult £15, pre-walking infant free.
Summer Holidays
24 July – 30 August
Pond Dipping
Every Monday, 29 July-19 August
11am (Members only), 12pm, 2pm, 3pm (45 mins sessions)
Join us for pond dipping sessions exploring nature and wildlife in our Nature Trail pond. Suitable for children aged 5+. Tickets: Child £2.50.
Hands on Base: Horniman Explorers
Every Monday and Friday
26 July–30 August (except 26 August), 11am-12.30pm, 2-3.30pm
Discover the collections that make the Horniman special! Explore and touch things from puppets to sharks jaws in our Hands on Base. Free, drop in.
Family Art Fun
Every Tuesday, 30 July–27 August, 11am; 11.45am; 12.30pm; 1.15pm; 2pm; 2.45pm
Enjoy making some fabulous art and craft inspired by our collections and Gardens. Tickets: £2.50.
Wonderful Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, 24 July to 28 August, 10.30am-3.30pm
Join us for a day of free family activities every Wednesday. There will be different themes and activities each week including storytelling, trails, family games and creative workshops. Free.
24 July: Celebrating London National Park City Week, explore our Gardens with bug and tree experts, enjoy a sensory trail and find out about the importance of London’s green spaces for wildlife. Supported by the Mayor of London.
31 July: Come and play with us at the Horniman as part of National Play Day. Enjoy free storytelling and family games in our gardens.
Nature Notebooks
Every Thursday, 25 July – 29 August
11am, 11.45am, 12.30pm, 1.15pm, 2pm, 2.45pm
Create your own Nature Notebook to help you to explore the Horniman Gardens in a fun way. Free.
Minibeast Safari
Every Friday, 45 minute sessions
26 July and 30 August: 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm
Join us to hunt for creepy crawlies and bugs on the Horniman Nature Trail and discover the variety of insect life to be found in London in spring. Suitable for children aged 3+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. These activities are not suitable for prams or pushchairs. Tickets: Child £2.50.
Please check the website www.horniman.ac.ukfor updates and for information on regular activities and events.