Museum of London Docklands — Where the River Tells Its Story

A Window into London’s Maritime Past

Located on West India Quay, near Canary Wharf, the Museum of London Docklands explores the fascinating story of London as a port city.
Set within a Grade I-listed Georgian warehouse, it reveals how the River Thames shaped trade, culture, and the lives of Londoners for over 2,000 years.

It’s a museum where history meets the water — filled with stories of merchants, sailors, dockworkers, and migration.

A Journey Through Time

The museum opened in 2003 as part of the Museum of London group, transforming an 1802 warehouse once used to store sugar, rum, and coffee from the Caribbean.
Today, its galleries trace the rise of London’s docks, their global connections, and their impact on the city’s growth.

Through immersive displays and powerful storytelling, visitors can explore the triumphs and hardships of London’s maritime history — from empire and slavery to innovation and regeneration.

Exploring the Museum of London Docklands
1. London, Sugar & Slavery

One of the museum’s most thought-provoking exhibitions, London, Sugar & Slavery, examines Britain’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
It presents the harsh realities of this history while celebrating the resilience and cultural contributions of the African diaspora.
In addition, it encourages reflection on the legacy of slavery in modern London.

2. Sailortown

Step into Sailortown, a full-scale reconstruction of a 19th-century dockside street.
Gas lamps flicker, tavern signs creak, and the sounds of seafarers fill the air — immersing visitors in the sights and sounds of Victorian East London.
This atmospheric exhibit brings history vividly to life.

3. The Thames and the Docks

This section explores the River Thames as the city’s lifeline.
From Roman wharves to modern container ports, it reveals how trade, transport, and tides shaped London’s economy and identity.
Historic maps, ship models, and artefacts chart the transformation from riverbank to global metropolis.

Learn more at the Museum of London Docklands official website

A Living Heritage Site

Beyond its galleries, the museum’s location on West India Quay offers stunning views of the old docks, now transformed into a vibrant district of restaurants and offices.
However, the original timber beams, brick vaults, and iron columns preserve the atmosphere of 18th-century dock life.

It’s a place where past and present coexist — where stories of trade, migration, and resilience continue to shape London’s future.

Visiting the Museum of London Docklands
How to Get There

Address: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL

By Tube: Canary Wharf (Jubilee line) or West India Quay (DLR).

By Train: Limehouse Station, 15-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes D3, D7, D8 stop nearby.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, 10am–5pm. Entry is free for all visitors.

Facilities

Café and gift shop

Children’s play area (“Mudlarks”)

Step-free access and lifts

Guided tours and event spaces

Nearby Attractions

Canary Wharf: Modern architecture and riverside dining.

Cutty Sark, Greenwich: Discover Britain’s maritime legacy.

Thames Path: Scenic walks along the river.

Museum of London (Smithfield): Sister site exploring the city’s full history.

Together, they form a fascinating East London Heritage Trail.

Why Visit the Museum of London Docklands?

The Museum of London Docklands brings history to life through powerful storytelling and immersive design.
It explores how global trade, migration, and innovation shaped the London we know today.

Whether you’re drawn to maritime history, architecture, or social change, this museum offers insight and inspiration in equal measure.

It’s not just a museum — it’s the story of a city built on its river.