City of London, a City of Science Exhibition

A new free display at the Heritage Gallery, celebrating the City's rich history of scientific innovation and invention

The City was a place where scientific methods and specialist instruments were developed, and as a publishing centre offered a place where these ideas could be disseminated and tested. 

While individuals such as Sir Christopher Wren and Isaac Newton may be the famous names associated with scientific discovery in the City, countless craftsmen and women from the City livery companies furthered knowledge in the fields of astronomy, clockmaking and map-making amongst other trades.

Visit this fascinating exhibition, on display from 21 September 2024 to 27 March 2025, and learn more about:

Robert Hooke

Discover Robert Hooke's diary and papers on display and learn more about this polymath who worked with Wren to rebuild the City after the Great Fire. Hooke and Wren were responsible for the design of the Monument. A daguerreotype of the Monument from c1845, the earliest photograph in The London Archives’ collection, shows how this structure became a symbol of the City.

Blackfriars Bridge

Explore prints and photographs of the current Blackfriars Bridge during its construction in the 1860s. Steam engines and diving suits demonstrate the way new technologies were used. The use of photography itself shows the recording of the new bridge using the most up-to-date methods.

Charles Pearson

Developing the City’s infrastructure for benefit of Londoners was a passion for Charles Pearson, the City Solicitor who came up with a plan, on display, for an underground railway at Farringdon station in 1852 – arguably the first plan for an underground railway in the world.

Admission Free

The City Heritage Gallery is located within Guildhall Art Gallery. We recommend that you book a free general admission ticket to gain entry to the Heritage Gallery. The general admission ticket includes access to Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope / London.