Press Day

We are delighted to welcome you back to Sir John Soane's Museum. Please note, bookings for this event are limited to journalists who have received an invitation. 

We are offering time slots between 11am-2pm on Wednesday 30th September for you to visit the museum before it reopens to the public on 1st October.

To ensure that you can explore the Museum safely whilst maintaining social distancing, it is necessary to book a free timed ticket in advance to enter. As part of the booking process, to ensure compliance with government guidelines we will keep your contact details for Test and Trace purposes for 21 days, to opt-out please email visitorservices@soane.org.uk.

Entry to the Museum is through the original front door of No. 13, with a one-way route around the Museum. Entry to the smaller spaces of the Picture Room and Monk’s Parlour will be restricted. You may have to wait to enter some rooms and some may only be visible from behind stanchions.

Hand sanitiser is available throughout the museum, and we have an enhanced cleaning regime for the toilets, and for frequent touch points and surfaces. Our staff and volunteers will be wearing face coverings.

When visiting the Museum, we ask that you:

• Arrive at the Museum for the date and time of your ticket, no more than five minutes before your time slot. There is no need to present your ticket
• Wear a face covering, unless exempt
• Maintain physical distancing from staff and other visitors
• Our cloakroom is currently closed, so we ask that visitors do not bring any luggage or large bags to the Museum, this includes: rucksacks, suitcases, prams and bikes. As the Museum spaces are narrow and our Museum objects are fragile, we will provide a clear plastic bag for any small items you’d like to carry. The dimensions of the bag are 375mm x 450mm + 75mm deep
• Photography is permitted with small cameras or mobile phones inside the Museum, but flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks and large cameras are not permitted

 FAQs

What should I do if I feel unwell?

If you or anyone you live with displays symptoms associated with COVID-19, please contact us to cancel your ticket and delay your visit until it is safe to come.

 Where can I learn about getting to the Museum, photography policy, the cloakroom and so on?

For more information about your visit and to find accessibility information, please go to our Plan Your Visit page.

I have a disability or access requirements. Do I book a timed ticket or should I call beforehand?

 Due to the step free route around our historic building and social distancing, it is required that you contact us in advance to ensure that we have the resources to assist you on your visit. Please contact us on 020 7405 2107 or email admin@soane.org.uk. 

 Can I get a timed ticket on the day?

Tickets must be booked in advance, before 8am on the date of visit.

Once I am inside, how long can I stay in the Museum?

Visits to the Museum will now be limited to an hour.

What happens if I miss my entry time?

Latecomers may not be admitted but we will do our best to welcome visitors in as and when the capacity of the Museum permits. If the time slot has not sold out then you will be allowed to enter.

 Can I get a refund for my timed ticket?

Timed tickets are free, but if you should decide to cancel your visit to the Museum, we encourage you to notify us so we can re-release the time slot for another visitor.

 I want to book a timed ticket for someone else.

To book a timed ticket as a gift for someone else, simply book the ticket in their name and forward them the confirmation email.

Will toilets be available?

There are toilet and baby changing facilities available, as well as an accessible toilet. We have enhanced our hygiene regime and these will be cleaned throughout the day.

Is there a café in the museum?

No, but there are many cafes in close proximity to the Museum.