We set aside one week every year to say thank you to our Members and Benefactors.
Their support, whether it’s a Membership, a donation as part of the Benefactor Scheme, or the Gift Aid we can claim on top, is channelled directly into the running costs of the Museum and Gardens. The Horniman would not be the welcoming and vibrant place it is without them.
We know that it’s a special personal connection that draws our supporters to the Horniman – because you told us! It was a pleasure to catch up with some of our Benefactors and Members, old and new, and learn what inspired them to join.
Why did you become a Member/Benefactor of the Horniman?
The Horniman is of enormous value to me and to so many others who visit every day, and I don’t want it to disappear like so many other free attractions and facilities. When considering how much it can take to keep a museum running, I saw it as my responsibility to offer a small contribution to something which has great value both personally and to the community.
The proximity of the Horniman to me and my family during the pandemic provided the perfect outdoor space all year round. It made sense to become a Member and since then my one year old has loved exploring the music room, Aquarium and Butterfly House.
Do you have a stand out memory of visiting the Horniman?
One of my most special moments was visiting the micro-forest for the first time. From the path we were able to see the young trees we had sponsored beginning to flourish. Standing there, I thought about how from acorns a mighty oak could grow —to me that was a symbol of why places like the Horniman matter so much.
My most recent one! After one of my children was assigned some homework to create an autumn display, we spent over an hour in the gardens looking at all the different types of trees and leaves, and had so much fun spotting the squirrels birds.
I first remember travelling past the Museum on a bus when still a student and being intrigued by the striking appearance of the clock tower and Museum facade. When I eventually got round to visiting on a cold December day, my friend and I didn’t know what to expect and we were delighted to find such a fascinating place. The details of the building, the varied collection and the promise of the Apostle Clock chiming at 4pm kept us there all day. We still recall sitting out in the Conservatory having an excellent dinner from the cafe.
Do you have a favourite object from the Horniman Collection?
My favourite object is the Cloutie Tree where you can write and hang messages. It has a peaceful atmosphere and looks beautiful. My toddlers love the tiny frogs in the Aquarium and the floor projection in the World Gallery with the sea animals – so fun!
The children love to say hello and stroke the fox in the Natural History pop-up exhibition, and they love listening to the interactive table in the music gallery, trying to identify which music they find ‘sad’ or ‘happy’. And their grandfather loves reading everything.
Do you have a favourite area or display in the Museum or Gardens?
We love it all, the variety, the ability to spend hours inside or outside, have coffee or stay for lunch. Where else can you see fish and butterflies and alpacas all in one visit?!
My favourite area is the Gardens, so beautifully kept with exquisite flowers and leads on to the Animal Walk which is very sweet. And I can never resist the wonderful gift shop!
My favourite area at the Horniman is by the bandstand, with its sweeping view of Central London. I recommend visiting on a summer’s evening at sunset, the view is just spectacular.
We enjoy different aspects each time we visit, from the age of 1 to 70 we have all benefitted and learnt so much from the Horniman. The children’s great grandfather used to visit regularly as a child and their grandad always thinks of him when we visit.
Why become a Benefactor or Member?
There are so many reasons to become a Benefactor or Member of the Horniman. Members have free and unlimited entry to the Aquarium, Butterfly House, and our family exhibitions, as well as access to a curated programme of events to explore the Museum and Gardens. If you visit the Aquarium and Butterfly House more than once a year, you could save money by becoming a Member.
If you would like to donate even more to keep our school bursaries, gardens apprenticeships and community research hub going you could become part of our Benefactors circle. Benefactors enjoy a close relationship with our curators and senior staff through intimate behind the scenes tours, workshops run by our own incredible experts and visits to other London landmarks.
Members’ and Benefactors’ Week
There are so many exciting things happening this week for Members’ and Benefactors’ week, and we would love to see you there. You can join us for:
- Meet the Fish event on Friday 5 December
- Winter Gardens Tour on Tuesday 2 December
- Musical Instruments Declassified event on Wednesday 3 December
- A Supporters’ Festive Drinks and personal highlights tour with Gordon Seabright, Chief Exec, on Thursday 4 December, 6-8pm in Gallery Square. Benefactors can RSVP by emailing benefactors@horniman.ac.uk.
- An exclusive early morning session of Creative Creatures Play on Saturday 6 December
You can find out how to join as a Member or Benefactor on our website. If you’d like to know more before you join, please reach out to members@horniman.ac.uk or benefactors@horniman.ac.uk. We’d love to hear from you!
Our sincere thanks to the Members and Benefactors who shared their personal stories about the Horniman, and to all Members and Benefactors for their continued support.