The Museum of Keys

The Museum of Keys is a unique museum located in the heart of London. It is a museum dedicated to the history of keys and locks, showcasing a vast collection of keys from different eras and cultures. The museum is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the history of security and the evolution of locks and keys.

The museum was founded by a locksmith named George Price in 1974. Price was a passionate collector of keys and locks, and he spent his entire life collecting and studying them. He started the museum to share his collection with the public and to educate people about the history of keys and locks.

The museum is housed in a small building in Clerkenwell, London. The building itself is a historic structure, dating back to the 18th century. The museum has three floors, each dedicated to a different aspect of the history of keys and locks.

The ground floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of locks. Here, visitors can see a collection of locks from different eras and cultures. There are ancient Egyptian locks, medieval European locks, and modern locks from around the world. The collection includes padlocks, combination locks, and even some of the earliest known locks.

The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of keys. Here, visitors can see a vast collection of keys from different eras and cultures. There are ancient Roman keys, medieval European keys, and modern keys from around the world. The collection includes keys of all shapes and sizes, from tiny skeleton keys to large ornate keys.

The second floor of the museum is dedicated to the history of locksmithing. Here, visitors can learn about the art and science of locksmithing, from the earliest days of the craft to the modern era. There are displays of tools and equipment used by locksmiths throughout history, as well as examples of the work of famous locksmiths.

One of the most interesting exhibits in the museum is the collection of keys used by famous historical figures. Visitors can see the keys used by Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, and even the infamous Jack the Ripper. There are also keys from famous buildings, such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

The museum also has a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and books about the history of keys and locks. The museum is open to the public every day except for Sundays and Mondays.

Overall, the Museum of Keys is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the history of security and the evolution of locks and keys. The collection is extensive and well-curated, and the exhibits are informative and engaging. Whether you are a locksmith, a history buff, or just curious about the world around you, the Museum of Keys is definitely worth a visit.