The Fan Museum, which opened in 1991, is the world's first museum dedicated to the preservation and display of hand fans. It is located within two grade II* listed houses that were built in 1721 within the Greenwich World Heritage Site in southeast London, England. Along with the museum, there is an orangery decorated with murals, a Japanese-style garden with a fan-shaped parterre, a pond, and a stream.
The museum owns over 5,000 fans and other fan-related cultural materials as of 2018. The oldest fan in the collection dates from the 11th century and the collection of 18th and 19th-century European fans is extensive. The entire collection is not displayed permanently due to conservation concerns, but there is a permanent educational display which teaches about fan history, manufacturing processes, and the various forms of fan. Exhibits include a fan with a built-in ear trumpet and one with a repair kit built into the design. Fan-making classes are also held at the Fan Museum. The Fan Museum also contains a reference library.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM |
Mark Norman | Apr 14, 2018
Obviously the place to go if you're a fan fan, but still quite interesting if you're generally curious or creative. Entrance includes an audio guide. Displays of different types of fan, construction methods, the materials used (metals, ivory, fabrics etc). Subject matter of fans extends to political commentary, souvenirs of Royal events, surreal cartoons and art in general. In my opinion the introductory video right at the start of the exhibition is informative but overly long (you can skip it if you want of course). There is a tearoom downstairs but I didn't get time to visit. Staff are friendly and attentive. There is a cloakroom available and a shop selling (amongst other things) fans!
Jo Mills | Mar 31, 2018
We had afternoon tea and a lovely time here. It was £8 each for tea, scones and a selection of cakes. Staff were really helpful and found gluten free options at short notice. The orangery is really cute and feels a world away from the bustle of Greenwich. I'd definitely recommend it for something different to do. The museum itself is small but it's perfect for a browse!
Ka Wing Wong | Apr 16, 2018
I'm so happy I've picked Orangery to hold my wedding lunch reception. It is beautifully decorated, food is nice and the staff are really helpful and nice. I was even lucky enough to have the sun with me on the day. Everything is just perfect! We'll sure come again for our anniversary :D
Sofia A | Mar 10, 2018
The museum is really great. Two floors full with different fans from simple shaped to extravagant from different ages. In addition, the orangery tea place in the museum offers a great opportunity to enjoy some tea and feel like a British royalty.
Frances Neligan | Feb 25, 2018
This is a small hidden gem in Greenwich. The exhibition is interesting, the orangery magnificent, and the cream teas great as well. You can use the ta room without paying to enter the museum. Well worth a visit
Ronald Dunning | Apr 28, 2018
Surprisingly interesting historical and scholarly exhibitions of fans. Beautiful and genteel tea room (no sandwiches, only cakes).
Herbert Mattord | Jul 23, 2018
What a treat! This is a fun and unusual place to visit especially if your looking for Victorian details. My wife used this as a resource for her Steampunk course.
E Malara | Jul 18, 2018
Small museum in Greenwich that showcases fans from around the world but mostly from France and Asia.
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