What's inside
The Cartoon Museum is Britain's only museum devoted to cartoons, comics and caricature. Its collection holds over 6,000 original works, spanning the 1700s to today, and it's shown through a rotating programme of exhibitions rather than one fixed display, so there's usually something new on each visit.
The collection
The earliest works are political caricatures, where cartoonists skewered the events and public figures of the day. This is a tradition that runs right through to modern newspaper cartoons. Alongside these are comics, children's book illustration and other graphic art, including pieces from well-known titles. It's a mix of original drawings and printed publications, so you see both the finished work and the craft behind it.
British comics
Comics are central to the museum, and British comic heritage from classic weeklies to modern graphic novels is shown as part of the wider international story of the form, often with the sketches and working materials that go into a strip.
Exhibitions, events and workshops
The exhibition programme changes regularly and can focus on a single artist, a publication, a theme or a period. The museum also runs talks, workshops and drawing sessions for adults and families, so it's worth checking what's on when you plan your visit.
Visiting
The museum is compact and most visits take under an hour, making it an easy add-on to a day around Oxford Street or Fitzrovia. Admission is ticketed, and opening hours and prices vary. Check the museum's official website for the latest before you go. There's also a small shop selling comics, books and cartoon-related gifts.
