Background: Robert Stallard, Soho, 1973 · The museum of Soho permanent collection · Mary Evans Picture Library ↗
About us
The museum of Soho
Bringing life to history
We collect, preserve and share the history of one of London's most distinctive neighbourhoods.
Our mission
Preserving Soho's stories
Our mission is to safeguard, record and share the material and memories that tell the story of Soho. Our original published objectives are:
- To create a safe haven for artefacts, documents and other material relating to Soho.
- To ensure that these items are recorded professionally.
- To create a database and locations guide for the whole collection.
- To investigate digital media for the future development of the museum.
Who we are
Established in 1991, The museum of Soho is an independent, community-led and volunteer-run museum. We explore Soho through the memories of the people who have lived, worked and found a home here.
We are a registered charity and work with residents, researchers, artists, local organisations and cultural partners.
What we do
Our work includes exhibitions, talks, screenings, oral histories, research projects and collaborations. We preserve material connected with Soho's social, cultural and commercial life and make it accessible through displays and public events.
Our home
Our gallery and archive space is at 75 Dean Street, within the former Warner Bros and De Lane Lea recording-studio building. The wider building is managed by All is Joy, which operates it as a meanwhile space supporting artists, creative projects and start-ups.
Work with us
We welcome enquiries from researchers, community groups, potential volunteers and organisations interested in developing a Soho-centred exhibition or event.
Connections across Soho and beyond
Who we’ve worked with
Over the years, our exhibitions, research, events and public-history projects have brought us together with many organisations. These include past and present collaborators, supporters and hosts.
Local community & support
Westminster City Council- Westminster City Archives
Shaftesbury Capital (formerly Shaftesbury)
Soho Estates
The Crown Estate
Westminster LGBT+ Forum- All is Joy
The Soho Society
St Anne’s Church, Soho
Culture, collections & events
The King of Soho (West End Drinks)
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
BBC
Voltage TV
Open House Festival- Harmony in Diversity
British Record Shop Archive
Gideon Reeling Theatre
Soho Radio
Thames & Hudson
Proboscis / Bookleteer
House of St Barnabas
Century Club
Public heritage & learning
London Fire Brigade
Crossrail
Yamaha Music London
Westminster Kingsway College
University of East London
CRASSH, University of Cambridge
From the former Sherwood Street touchscreen developed with The Crown Estate to the Novello memorial plaque project supported by Yamaha Music London, these connections have helped bring Soho’s history to wider audiences.
Recommended websites
Chair’s Choice
A personal selection by our Chair: places to explore history, discover photographs and follow your curiosity.
British History Online ↗
A digital library of historical sources, including the Survey of London. A valuable starting point for researching Soho’s streets, buildings and people.
Mary Evans Picture Library ↗
A rich collection of historical photographs, illustrations and ephemera, with much to discover about London, entertainment and everyday life. Image use is subject to licensing.
Cocktails With Elvira ↗
Research into Elvira Barney and her circle, exploring the people, parties and nightlife of interwar London.
Arthur Lloyd: Music Hall & Theatre History ↗
A detailed guide to the theatres and music halls of Britain and Ireland, with histories, photographs and material on London’s lost venues.
Soho Bites Podcast ↗
Dominic Delargy’s podcast exploring films set in Soho, with guests discussing cinema and the neighbourhood’s history, music and nightlife.
English Heritage ↗
Explore historic places, stories and collections, including London’s blue plaques and the people they commemorate.
MuseumsAtlas ↗
Discover museums near you and further afield, with an interactive map and information on collections, exhibitions and accessibility.
Les Enfants Terribles: Carnaby Street ↗
Explore Carnaby Street photographs and shared memories on Adrian Stern’s Les Enfants Terribles website, with glimpses of Soho’s shops, fashion and street life.