London Mithraeum
- Archaeology enthusiasts
- History enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
It's a small exhibition that you can squeeze in between your other activities. You can see everything in half an hour. The immersive experience which runs every 20 minutes is a must. It is recommended to book ahead of time, but it doesn't look like a crowded place and you can probably walk in.
It's just the foundations of a small building buried 7m down, but it is presented really, really well - the light show combined with the mist and sound are very atmospheric - gives a real insight to how it could have been used, who by and what it could have sounded like. It's a short stop - about 30 mins total, but well worth it. A good add-on to a London visit
Fantastic museum, one of the best I've visited for it's facilities and design. Amazing 5 minute light and audio display, followed by free viewing of the ruins, it's reconstruction of the atmosphere of the temple was very impressive. The display and interactive tablets showcasing the artefacts is brilliant and some of the best exhibition information displays I've experienced. Great friendly staff and free, not to miss! Toilet facilities and seating on the lower floor (non on the ground level with artefact unfortunately). Need to book online beforehand but can also turn up (we couldn't navigate the website well and were booked in when we got there by staff)
London Mithraeum is a fascinating hidden historical site in the heart of the city. The underground setting creates a unique and atmospheric experience that really brings the ancient Roman temple to life. The lighting and sound design make the visit feel immersive, helping you imagine what the site may have been like centuries ago. The exhibits explaining the discoveries and Roman history of London are clear and interesting. It’s well organized and easy to explore at your own pace. Overall, it’s a memorable place to visit if you enjoy archaeology, history, and discovering unusual spots in London
Highly recommended this. I suggest you book tickets in advance to ensure you slot, but we were able to walk in on a Saturday. The actual temple ruins has a light and sound experience, and then you are able to walk around and view it from many angles. There is also a number of audio activities available, which I would recommend to get the full experience. Staff were courteous and helpful. Bathrooms were available, and very clean. There are 2 flights of stairs down to the temple, but there seems to be lift accessibility if necessary.
Highlights
Temple Chamber
Sanctuary to MithrasColumns, apse and benches appear by degrees; the god’s cult returns as your pupils widen.
Lower level, original site
Finds Wall
Voices of a frontier cityFrom hairpins to boots: every object is a witness statement from Roman London.
Middle level, artefact displays
Bloomberg SPACE
Now meets thenContemporary commissions riff on the archaeology below.
Street level
Walbrook Story
A lost river, a saved siteThe vanished Walbrook stream both fed the cult site and preserved what you see today.
Interpretation panels
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The temple was first found in 1954, briefly rebuilt at street level, then—during Bloomberg’s redevelopment—carefully returned to its original underground position where you see it today.
Excavations here produced Britain’s largest haul of Roman writing tablets—among them the earliest known reference to ‘London’ and some of the earliest handwritten documents found in the city.
Those ‘notepads’ were waxed wooden tablets reused again and again; stylus scratches sometimes survive even when the wax is long gone.
Entry is free—but it’s timed. Book ahead and you’re more likely to catch the full sound-and-light sequence with space to breathe.
The temple stood beside the lost Walbrook stream—a waterlogged ribbon through the Roman city that helped seal and preserve leather, wood and bone for 1,700 years.
Similar Museums
Nearby Places
Bank of England Museum
4 min 👣
Guildhall Art Gallery
5 min 👣
St Paul’s Cathedral
7 min 👣
St Paul's Cathedral
7 min 👣
Golden Hinde
8 min 👣
Clink Prison Museum
8 min 👣
Rose Theatre Exhibition
8 min 👣
British Red Cross Museum and Archives
9 min 👣
The Cockpit
9 min 👣
Tate Modern
10 min 👣