London Transport Museum announces major transformation ahead of 50th anniversary in 2030
Today, London Transport Museum announced an ambitious transformation of its iconic Covent Garden home that will create a major new 21st-century cultural attraction for London ahead of the Museum’s 50th anniversary in 2030.
Last year the Museum welcomed almost 450,000 visitors. This was the highest annual total since the Museum opened in Covent Garden in 1980.* Driving this growth are innovative new initiatives like Transported by Culture which attract new audiences to enjoy music, theatre and art and design to this unique setting in the heart of a vibrant Piazza. Retail has also played an important role in the Museum’s success with over 1.7million visits to the site overall in 2025’
The once-in-a-generation project will reimagine the Museum and modernise the historic Grade II listed building with a dramatic new entrance opening directly onto Covent Garden Piazza, and an extra 500 square metres of space for improved galleries and learning experiences.
The project will also introduce major environmental upgrades, including low-carbon heating and sustainability improvements that aim to reduce the Museum’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 90%.
The Museum will remain open throughout the transformation, with works carefully managed to minimise disruption.
Celebrating London’s journey from Victorian innovation to the capital of tomorrow, LTM50 will tell the story of how transport shaped one of the world’s greatest cities – and how London continues to lead the way in design, engineering, creativity and urban innovation. Visitors will begin to see new experiences, upgraded visitor facilities and public-facing changes, building towards a major relaunch and anniversary celebration in 2030.
Located within Covent Garden’s historic Victorian flower market building, London Transport Museum has welcomed millions of visitors since opening in 1980 and has long played a central role in the cultural life of the area.
The spectacular new public entrance from Covent Garden Piazza will be designed to better connect the Museum with the surrounding neighbourhood. Alongside the physical transformation, LTM50 will expand the Museum’s role as a centre for education, skills and creativity – connecting thousands more young Londoners with engineering, design, green skills and the future of cities through new interactive galleries and learning programmes.
The transformation is also expected to grow annual visits by more than 20% to attract broader and more diverse audiences to Covent Garden and bring renewed energy and vibrancy to the Piazza through expanded exhibitions, events and public programming.
Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of London Transport Museum comments: ‘London’s transport story is one of the greatest innovation stories in the world, and this transformation is about sharing that story in a bigger, bolder and more inspiring way than ever before.
‘For generations, Londoners and visitors have come to the Museum to explore the city and its stories through its transport system. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we’re creating an experience that captures the energy, creativity and optimism of London itself – while opening the doors to even more people.’
Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: ‘For more than 200 years, London’s public transport has shaped the capital and improved people’s lives in so many ways, from the world’s first underground railway to the iconic red bus, Oyster card and the Elizabeth line. This city has always led the way, and public transport has been key to its economic growth and recovery. I’m thrilled to support the new plans that showcase our transport heritage and the future of transport in the heart of Covent Garden.’
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “These plans for transformation will cement our city’s global reputation for innovative, ambitious, world-leading transport. Our tubes and buses are instantly recognisable, and our network has inspired transport systems around the world. For almost fifty years, London Transport Museum has functioned as the home of this story, attracting huge numbers of Londoners and visitors alike. I look forward to seeing the Museum transform into an even greater space for learning and celebrating our city’s history as we continue building a better London for everyone.”
Further announcements will follow in the coming months.
