Museum of Brands — A Journey Through Everyday History

Where Memory Meets Marketing

Tucked away in Notting Hill, the Museum of Brands is one of London’s most vibrant and nostalgic museums.
It celebrates the evolution of consumer culture — showcasing how packaging, advertising, and design reflect social change.

From Victorian soap boxes to digital-age branding, it tells the story of Britain through the products we’ve bought, loved, and remembered.

The Story Behind the Museum

Founded by consumer historian Robert Opie, the museum began with a single sweet wrapper he saved as a child.
Over decades, his passion grew into a vast collection of more than 12,000 original items.
Therefore, the Museum of Brands isn’t just about marketing — it’s about memory, innovation, and identity.

Since opening in 2005, it has become a cultural favourite, inviting visitors to rediscover how design connects generations.

Exploring the Museum of Brands
1. The Time Tunnel

The museum’s main attraction, the Time Tunnel, takes visitors on a chronological journey from the Victorian era to today.
You’ll pass displays of early chocolate tins, 1950s Corn Flakes boxes, and 1980s TV adverts — all charting changes in style, technology, and society.
In addition, it’s a fascinating study of how nostalgia shapes modern marketing.

2. Advertising and Design

This section highlights how brands evolved alongside art and culture.
From Art Deco posters to pop art packaging, each era reveals new trends in typography, colour, and creativity.
It’s a feast for designers, historians, and anyone fascinated by visual storytelling.

3. Sustainability and Modern Branding

The museum also looks forward, exploring how sustainability and digital design are redefining modern branding.
Exhibits and talks encourage visitors to think critically about consumption, advertising, and the future of packaging.

Learn more at the Museum of Brands official website

A Treasure Trove of Everyday Life

Beyond the exhibits, the museum’s shop and café extend the nostalgic experience.
Visitors can browse vintage-inspired gifts or enjoy tea surrounded by iconic designs.
Moreover, the museum’s education centre hosts workshops on branding, creativity, and consumer psychology — inspiring students and professionals alike.

It’s not just about old adverts — it’s about how design tells the story of who we are.

Visiting the Museum of Brands
How to Get There

Address: 111–117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QT

By Tube: Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines), 2-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 7, 23, 70, and 228 stop nearby.

By Car: Limited parking; public transport recommended.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–6pm. Entry ticket required; discounts for students and seniors.

Facilities

Café and gift shop

Step-free access throughout

Event and education spaces

Audio guides available

Nearby Attractions

Portobello Road Market: Famous for antiques and vintage finds.

Design Museum: Celebrating innovation and creativity.

Notting Hill Gate: Colourful shops and cafés.

Holland Park: A peaceful green retreat nearby.

Together, they create a vibrant West London Design and Culture Trail.

Why Visit the Museum of Brands?

The Museum of Brands is both nostalgic and insightful — a reminder that history isn’t just in palaces or paintings, but in the products we use every day.
It’s a playful yet powerful exploration of design, memory, and culture.

Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or curious visitor, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for how brands shape our world.

It’s not just a museum — it’s a walk through the story of modern life.