Museum of Brands
What Visitors Say
Had a very nice time visiting the museum. The staff at reception were very nice. The museum isn't big but if you read the informations and check out the displays not rushing it takes spmetime, which is very good. They have the displays nicely organised, nostalgic, taking you back in time. It's nice to see how household items and food companies looked like in the past and how old some of these companies are. The amount of board games that were around in the past is astonishing. Some of the board games especially from war times are...interesting, let's put it that way. The way how technology evolved is impressing. You will get an insight into the world of packaging from Victorian era through to the present day, not just packaging but also everyday items that we can all relate to from tins and bottles to sweets to toys, TVs and record players and everything else that comes with it. It's a worthy place to visit with friends, family and kids. There's a little souvenir shop next to te reception. The cafe offers snacks, food and nice warm drinks. The closest tube station is Ladbroke Grove, 2 minutes walk around the corner.
Absolutely brilliant! The time turned from Victorian era to now, seeing the development of known and loved family household brands. Things my dad grew up through the 60/70s, then all the things my brother and I remember from the 90/00s. As an enthusiast for vintage radios, the radio wall was the best part of the museum for me. We visited for the Gerry Anderson exhibition as well, my dad and brother are massive Anderson Productions fans, it was FAB!
Absolutely excellent. Such a trip of pure nostalgia. You go through a time tunnel starting from the 19th century through to the noughties. We went primarily for the Thunderbirds exhibition but the whole museum is really worth a visit. Brilliant. Lovely little coffee shop on site aswell. Highly recommend. Nearest tube Ladbroke Grove , its about a 5 min walk.
Fascinating museum charting the development of brands and products throughout the centuries, and the societal and cultural changes that took place over the same time. The main permanent exhibition features a huge array of items and packaging representing changing brands from the Victorian era up to the present day. Visitors of different ages will recognise groceries, household goods, toys and games, technology and more, making this part of the museum a real walk down memory lane. Displays are well presented and don't seem cluttered despite the huge collection of exhibits, while there's enough information to learn about different eras without being overwhelmed. At the time of our visit a Thunderbirds exhibition was taking place, showcasing collectables and toys connected to the popular works of Gerry Anderson. Adult tickets for the museum were £14, which felt like good value considering the high standard of presentation throughout and the enormous range of exhibits. Onsite facilities are excellent, and include a gift shop, café, toilets and an outdoor area with benches, so you can sit and relax amongst lovingly maintained gardens for a while to escape the bustle of London. If you're at all interested in brands or social history, don't miss this museum.
It was a great experience. We had a wonderful time not just on the exhibition, but also on the nice coffe shop they have. The miseum has a beautiful dinning area, with a variety of products from elaborated sandwiches to delicious cakes and snacks. Also, they offer a wide range of coffee, tea and sparkling drinks. And last but not least, you can have your meal indoors or in their garden sourounded by plants and nature. So, you can have a nice break before you carry on with your journey.
Highlights
Time Tunnel
Decades at walking speedShelf by shelf you watch typography, materials and mascots evolve—and values with them.
Main circuit
Wartime Shelves
Design under rationingPlain wrappers, thrift tips, recycled tins—packaging learns austerity.
1940s section
Colour Boom
Printing tech meets pop cultureFluoro inks, swinging mascots and supermarket aisles as theatres of persuasion.
1960s–70s run
Green & Clean
Eco claims and ‘healthy’ halosCompostable packs, ‘plant-based’ badges—virtue goes mainstream on the shelf.
2000s–today
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Founder Robert Opie began the collection at 16 with a saved sweet wrapper—one teenager’s keepsake became a national archive of everyday design.
The museum’s ‘Time Tunnel’ layout makes advertising history legible without a lecture—you feel inflation, new materials and social change just by walking.
Original wartime packs show how brands adapted—less ink, fewer metals, smaller sizes—decisions driven by government controls and supply shocks.
