The Cartoon Museum houses a vast collection of British cartoon art and comics, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of this art form. Located in the heart of London, it features exhibitions that highlight the work of renowned cartoonists, along with original artwork, animations, and more. The museum hosts a variety of events, workshops, and talks aimed at enthusiasts and newcomers alike, making it a vibrant hub for cartoon arts. Visitors can explore the evolution of cartoons from the 18th century to contemporary works, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What each source says
- Viator 3.7 12,944
- Google Places 4.1 1,204
- Tripadvisor 4.0 304
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated near Oxford Street, the museum is easily accessible and offers a quick escape from the bustling city center.
- Engaging Staff Visitors consistently praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience.
- Interactive Elements The museum includes interactive activities, such as a drawing studio, making it engaging for both adults and children.
- Interesting Exhibits The museum presents an impressive collection of original artwork and historical items, providing insight into the evolution of cartoons and their social context.
- Unique Focus The museum offers a unique and specific focus on British cartoons, comics, and political satire, covering a wide historical range.
Criticised
- Accessibility Issues The basement location and potential lift malfunctions can pose accessibility challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
- Limited Scope The focus on political cartoons and British comic history might not appeal to those interested in mainstream or animated entertainment like The Simpsons.
- Pricing Concerns Some visitors find the entry fee a bit expensive for the size of the museum and the limited time needed to see the exhibits.
- Shop Prices While the gift shop is well-regarded, some reviewers found the souvenir prices to be slightly high.
- Small Size The museum's small size means visits are relatively short, potentially disappointing visitors seeking a more extensive experience.
The longer read
The Cartoon Museum in London offers a journey through British cartoon history, from political satire to comic book art. Many reviewers describe it as a small, well-curated museum that can be toured in an hour or two. The museum's collection includes original artwork dating back to the 18th century, with political cartoons being a prominent feature. Many visitors found the historical context provided alongside the cartoons insightful and often humorous, while others noted the strong focus on British humor and political satire might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking exhibits on mainstream or animated cartoons like "The Simpsons" or "South Park."
Several reviewers appreciated the museum's layout and the quality of the exhibits, while some wished for a larger space to showcase more of the cartooning world. The museum's gift shop is frequently mentioned as a highlight, offering a variety of items related to cartoons and comics. Staff are consistently described as welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The museum provides a drawing area for children to explore their creativity.
Accessibility is mentioned, with the museum offering resources like ear defenders and sensory backpacks. Some reviewers noted that the museum is located in a basement, and on one occasion, the lift was out of service, requiring visitors to use the stairs. The museum is located near Oxford Street and is easily accessible by public transportation.
While some found the entry fee reasonable, others felt it was a bit expensive considering the museum's size. A number of reviewers mentioned that the ticket allows for unlimited visits within 12 months. The museum also offers discounts for students, senior citizens, and those on universal credit.
In summary, The Cartoon Museum is best suited for those with an interest in the history of British cartoons, political satire, and comic book art. It is a small, well-organized museum with friendly staff and a good gift shop. While it may not appeal to all cartoon fans, it offers a unique and informative experience for those interested in the historical and cultural significance of cartoons.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7580 8155
- Website
- cartoonmuseum.org
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:30 - 17:30 |
| Wed | 10:30 - 17:30 |
| Thu | 10:30 - 17:30 |
| Fri | 10:30 - 17:30 |
| Sat | 10:30 - 17:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 16:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 3.7 against a median of 4.5 across the 16 venues we hold for Fitzrovia, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What kinds of exhibits and collections are featured at The Cartoon Museum in London?
- What family-friendly activities or events does The Cartoon Museum offer for visitors with children?
- What other attractions are located near The Cartoon Museum in central London?
- What are the opening hours and admission costs for The Cartoon Museum?
- What is the history and significance of The Cartoon Museum in preserving British cartoon art?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.