METROPOLITAN POLICE MUSEUM

The Metropolitan Police Museums share the story of the Met since it was founded in 1829. The Police Museum, based in Sidcup, highlights the history of the organisation, our people and how we have policed London for almost 200 years. The museums gallery and research room are open to the public by prior appointment. Our temporary public exhibition for 2025 is 150 years of The Crime Museum.

The Crime Museum is a closed teaching collection, only accessible to police officers. Founded in 1875, it preserves items involved in crime and documents significant developments in how criminals are brought to justice. It educates new officers in some of the dangers they can face, as well as all aspects of the investigation of crime.

In addition, we support the Met to share its rich heritage, from delivering talks and looking after a fleet of historic vehicles, to supporting specialist museums from Mounted Branch to the Marine Policing Unit.

Our collections represent cases which have shaped public consciousness, and demonstrate the relentless work of officers, detectives, and forensic experts in the pursuit of justice.

To find out more and book a visit, search ‘MPS Museums’ online.