Horniman Museum and Gardens

Venue at a glance

The Horniman Museum and Gardens offers a collection of private event spaces within its 16.5-acre public estate in Forest Hill. The museum and gardens continue to welcome visitors, while the Conservatory, Pavilion, Bandstand and selected gallery spaces can be reserved for private events.

Spaces and capacities

• Gallery Square – up to 250 guests
• Victorian Conservatory – up to 240 standing, 120 for dinner or 120 theatre-style
• Pavilion – up to 80 standing, 60 theatre-style, 40 for a ceremony or 36–48 cabaret-style
• Bandstand – up to 60 standing or 50 for a ceremony
• Aquarium – available for private hire
• Natural History Gallery – available for filming and photography

Facilities and features

• 16.5 acres of landscaped gardens
• Approved catering suppliers
• Private terrace adjoining the Pavilion
• Indoor and outdoor event spaces
• London skyline views
• Guided gallery tours available
• Private visits to the Aquarium or Butterfly House available
• Dedicated venue-hire team

The Grade II listed Conservatory provides an elegant setting for larger receptions and dinners, while the Pavilion and Bandstand offer smaller spaces surrounded by the gardens.

Hire availability

• Conservatory – available Monday to Sunday
• Monday–Thursday: minimum two-hour hire
• Friday and Sunday: minimum three-hour hire
• Saturday: minimum eight-hour hire
• Pavilion – minimum two hours on weekdays and four hours at weekends
• Bandstand – minimum two-hour hire, Monday to Saturday
• During peak season, Saturday Bandstand hire is only available with a Conservatory wedding booking
• Late-night extensions are available for the Conservatory and Pavilion
• Exact access and setup times should be confirmed with the venue-hire team