Charles Dickens Museum: a place to discover in London

Visit Charles Dickens Museum is set in Charles Dickens' Victorian family home in Holborn.

This is where the author wrote Oliver Twist, Pickwick Papers and Nicholas Nickleby.

He has gained international renown as one of the world's greatest storytellers.

Today, let's discover the place.

History of the Charles Dickens Museum

Charles Dickens and his wife Catherine moved into this Georgian terraced house on March 25, 1837, a few months before the start of Queen Victoria's reign, until December 1839.

During his stay here, Dickens wrote some of his most famous works. The couple also raised their ten children here.

Dickens' younger brother Frederick also stayed here, as did his wife Catherine's 17-year-old sister Mary, to support his married sister and brother.

This was quite usual for a woman's unmarried sister in those days. Dickens became attached to Mary, who died in his arms after a brief illness in 1837, and inspired the characters in many of his books.

A mythical office

Dickens' study is at the center of the house. In this book-lined room, he wrote an extraordinary number of newspaper articles, essays, short stories and novels, all with a quill pen and often by candlelight.

He was frequently inspired by the people living around him, such as his family, his servants and certain guests.

The house has been renovated The Dickens House Museum was opened in 1925.

The Charles Dickens Museum today

Today, visitors can discover the private world behind Dickens' public image and explore his study, family rooms and servants' quarters below stairs.

Here's an overview of life in the Victorian London of the middle class. Treasures on display include:

Charles Dickens' office
Handwritten drafts
His bride's engagement ring

Visitors can also take a stroll through the rooms, which are adorned with furniture, crockery, portraits, marble busts, porcelain ornaments and paintings.

The museum's collection comprises some 100,000 items, including letters and furniture, clothing and illustrations, all linked to Charles Dickens and his creations.

In addition, the museum presents a program of special exhibitions, workshops, performances and lectures on Dickens's life, work and legacy. There's also a Garden café and store on site.

What are the opening hours?

The museum opens :

Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to get to the Charles Dickens Museum

As with all London sites, it's best to arrive by public transport. The nearest metro are :

Russell Square
Chancery Lane or Holborn
Kings Cross St Pancras

Visit bus numbers 7, 17, 19, 38, 45, 46, 55, 243 also stop close to the museum.

For all fans of the genre, the Charles Dickens Museum in London is a must-see. You'll find manuscripts that once belonged to the author, as well as a preserved interior that perfectly illustrates the life of a Victorian family. Enough to bring back memories of his London vacation.

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