A MUSEUM based in south-east London that is loved by families will be getting even more attractions next year.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill – named ‘s best family attraction in 2024 by Muddy Stilettos – will open a new play park next year.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is getting a major upgradeCredit: Feilden Fowles/ J L Gibbons
Opening next year, there will be a new nature-themed play areaCredit: Feilden Fowles
Dubbed the ‘Nature + Love’ project, the park is one of several new experiences launching as part of the museum’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
The will have a nature theme and also feature a cafe.
Called the Kusuma Nature Play, it will include a number of different features designed to “encourage learning and wellbeing through nature and play”.
There will also be an (AR) opening in the Gardens.
It will be free to visitors and feature a cast of animated animals for visitors to meet and interact with.
The trail will also include a number of challenges and for visitors to play.
In addition, The Horniman’s Nature Trail will offer step-free access for the first time.
The Gardens Nursery will be transformed as well and will include new glasshouses, a route and a workshop space – all free to visit as well.
Later in early 2027, the Horniman’s natural history gallery will reopen to the public having been fully refurbished.
Inside, visitors will be able to once again see many of the favourite items as well as new objects.
To mark its 125th birthday, the will also be hosting a number of events between June 27 and 29, 2026.
Michael Salter-Church MBE, Chair of the Horniman, said: “Opening in the Horniman’s 125th year, these new features in the Gardens will help visitors learn about the natural world and provide new welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy for years to come.
“They embody the Horniman’s ethos and purpose and will help us celebrate our birthday!”
Gordon Seabright, chief executive at the Horniman, said: “We are delighted to reveal a first glimpse of what’s to come at the Horniman as part of our Nature + Love project.
“The Gardens are a beloved and integral part of the Horniman, and we hope the will provide new and familiar visitors with fun and enriching encounters with the precious natural world we all share.”
Most of the Horniman is free to visit, including the library, animal walk, World Gallery and gardens.
And according to The Guardian , the destination “feels as if it was created for kids”.
And there will also be an augmented reality trail with animated charactersCredit: Andrew Lee
There is also an that visitors can go to, though this is ticketed costing £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child.
Inside, visitors can explore 15 exhibits showcasing different water environments from around the world, such as pond life and
There is also a which is also ticketed, costing £9.75 per adult and £6.50 per child.
The features free-flying butterflies of different colours and sizes.
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Plus, a – 8 years after it was scrapped.
In 2027, the museum will also reopen it’s natural history galleryCredit: Feilden Fowles 
