Exhibitions and Displays

The Robot Zoo
Open from Saturday 11 February – Sunday 29 October

How do chameleons change colour? What makes grasshoppers leap so high? Is a giant squid jet-propelled? Answer these questions and more at The Robot Zoo, where amazing animals are recreated in robot form to reveal their inner workings.

These larger-than-life robots and hands-on interactives – including a platypus, a giraffe and a 10-foot-wide house fly – show the animals’ anatomy as a host of familiar machine parts and gadgets such as shock absorbers, springs and pumps, which demonstrate how animal bodies work.

Enter this amazing world of robotic creatures, see inside them and even control some of them – and discover mind-boggling facts about animals that share our world.

Tickets now on sale. Free, unlimited entry for Horniman Members. Visit www.horniman.ac.uk for information. Ticket prices: Child £4.40; Adult £7.70: Family (2 adults, 2 children) £18.70. Prices include voluntary 10%Gift Aid donation. See www.horniman.ac.uk/robotzoo for more information. Horniman Members enjoy free, unlimited visits to the exhibition.

Celebrating Ganesha
Saturday 11 February – Sunday 23 April

An extraordinary Ganesha sculpture from the British Museum is the centrepiece of this fascinating display exploring the imagery and symbolism associated with the elephant-headed Hindu God. Celebrating Ganesha is a British Museum spotlight tour. Free.

Special Events

Robot Zoo Late
Thursday 2 March, 6.30-9.30pm

Do androids dream of electric sheep? Is there a ghost in the machine? Is Johnny 5…alive?

Scientists, curators and artists explore human, animal and robot behaviour through talks, performances, fun and games in this special evening celebrating the opening of our latest exhibition The Robot Zoo. Food and bars available. See www.horniman.ac.uk for further information and tickets. Tickets: £5. Over-18s only.

Crossing Borders
Saturday 11 March, 11am–3pm

Join us to celebrate the diversity and talents of the people that live in the local area. This annual event featuring storytelling, art and craft and theatre performances is produced in collaboration with organisations who work with local refugees and asylum seekers. Free. Everyone welcome.

Library Open Day
First Sunday of each month, 10.30am–5.30pm

Browse our library collections and see some of the library treasures. Free, drop in.

Special Family Events

Youth Panel Family Day
Saturday 25 March, 12-4pm

The Youth Panel take over the Museum for a day of family fun, arts and crafts, music, stories and more, all inspired by our latest exhibition, The Robot Zoo. Free.

Regular Events

Horniman Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, 9am – 1.30pm

Visit the Horniman Farmers’ Market every Saturday to pick-up your weekly essentials direct from independent and local producers. Located in our glorious Gardens you will find stalls selling seasonal fruit and veg, artisan bread, organic meat and delicious hot food. We also have regular guest traders specialising in treats such as luxury chocolates, homemade jams and irresistible cakes. Free entry. 

Hear it Live!
Tuesday 28 March 3.30pm
Join us in the Music Gallery to hear performances and talks based on our musical instrument collection, including our 1772 Kirckman harpsichord. Free.

Regular Family Events

Please see our website www.horniman.ac.uk for information on A World of Stories, Art Makers, Busy Bees and activities in our Hands on Base.