Become a Horniman Patron

Join our closest group of supporters and be part of protecting the Horniman.

As a Patron, you will be helping to shape the future of a truly unique cultural destination and local landmark. The Horniman is the only place in London where you can experience the wonders of the natural world and human culture, side by side, set within 16-acres of stunning gardens.

We are a place of discovery for schoolchildren encountering the natural world for the first time. A hub for world-leading research. An institution working with community experts pioneering what an ethical museum could be.”

Gordon Seabright, Chief Executive

Your gift. Real impact.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people walk through our doors, many of whom could not do so without your support. As a Patron, you enable programmes that make the Horniman genuinely accessible to all. Help us continue to make the Horniman the museum our communities deserve.

Your annual gift could enable the Horniman to:

  • increase our sustainable planting, that absorbs more CO2 and creates tranquil outdoor spaces for learning and relaxing.
  • continue to build collaborative, community-led models of working that are essential to the responsible, ethical care of our unique collections, from anthropological belongings and musical instruments to centuries of Natural Science specimens.
  • inspire even more schoolchildren to care for the world around them, and expand career opportunities for young people in our local boroughs.
  • invest in the world-class facilities for our Aquarium where Project Coral is conserving and reintroducing resilient corals back into reefs around the world.

The Horniman is a remarkable place, and with your partnership we can ensure it remains that way for everyone.

Horniman employee looks at an image of coral on a laptop while smiling in a laboratory. She has brown hair tied up.

A closer relationship

When you become a Horniman Patron, we will work closely with you to connect you to the areas of the Horniman that mean the most to you and directly demonstrate the impact of your giving, while enjoying a fulfilling social programme of events throughout the year. Below you can read a full overview of each Patron level.

A crowd walk towards the Horniman clocktower. A man and a woman in the foreground wear a hat.

Patrons Circle – from £1,000 annually

  • Personalised, tailored updates with exclusive invitations, stories and news.
  • Acknowledgment on our website, Annual Report and in the Museum Entrance.
  • Invitations to six exclusive Patrons events, including behind-the-scenes tours, workshops and private views.
  • An invitation plus guest to the annual festive drinks reception, with our CEO and senior staff
  • Guaranteed tickets to our public events programme, from live performances on the iconic bandstand to seasonal festivals – so you never have to worry about missing out.
  • Priority booking for up to two tickets to our smaller, intimate workshops with local experts.

Patrons Circle (Joint) – from £1,500 annually

  • All Patrons Circle access
  • Option to have two named donors as part of your contribution
  • Invitations for both named donors to attend Patrons events and festive drinks

Community Circle – from £2,500 annually

  • All Patrons Circle (Joint) benefits and access.
  • Invitation to all 10 Patrons events in the annual programme, for you and a guest. This includes invitations to events held at select London cultural institutions.
  • An invitation for you and up to four guests to the annual festive drinks.

Director’s Circle – from £5,000

  • All Community Circle benefits and access.
  • A bespoke programme shaped by your interests, which could include a private tour with any of our experts, the CEO or Senior Management Team to explore areas of the Collections, Gardens, buildings or delivery and impact that you are interested in.
  • Opportunity to designate your donation to a particular part of the Horniman’s work.
  • Annual hire of our stunning Conservatory or Pavilion with 10% discount.

You can also become a lifetime Patron of the Horniman, with one donation of £30,000. Speak to our Fundraising Team to find out more about the transformational impact this kind of support could have, and how to make your donation.

Become a Patron

To become a Patron, or discuss which level of support will suit you best, please speak to our Fundraising Team on 020 8161 3527 or email fundraising@horniman.ac.uk.