Hands on Base
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Explore thousands of real Museum objects in our Handling Collection by touching, wearing and discovering them for yourself.
Much of our Handling Collection contains real objects, rather than reproductions. It provides visitors with a special opportunity to investigate, up close, collections similar to those in the other Horniman Galleries.
Whether you’re interested in Mexican masks, instruments from India, endangered animals or simply want to be surprised, you’ll find inspiration in the Hands on Base. You might find treasures that spark memories of your past.
School and community group sessions use our Hands on Base during the week. Check the What’s On for events happening in the Hands on Base.

The Hands on Base, Joel Knight

Trying on other costumes and accessories, Laura Mtungwazi

Showing objects to visitors in the Hands on Base, Sarah Shevlin

Getting up close with Horniman objects, Laura Mtungwazi

Playing and making music, Megan Taylor