The museum celebrates the story of the Brunel family, who were at the heart of Victorian innovation and the Industrial Revolution. It is located at the site of Marc Brunel’s ground-breaking Thames Tunnel, running from Rotherhithe to Wapping. It was the first ever tunnel to run underneath a river and pioneered innovation that is still used today.

We’re hoping by enabling more people to learn about the amazing story of the Brunels, we can inspire the next generation of engineers.

Katherine McAlpine, Director at the Brunel Museum

Restoration of the old and building the new

The £1.85million project aims to complete by 2025, in time to celebrate 200 years since work began on this ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’. It will see the Engine House restored to its former glory and a new gallery created. Within this, a brand-new exhibition will give visitors a chance to learn about the Brunels using technology such as augmented reality – particularly fitting for this forward-thinking family. A new Welcome Pavilion will transform the visitor experience with accessible facilities, shop and cafe, enabling more people to visit and learn about this important heritage.

Thames Tunnel Archive

A collection of 30 watercolours, known as the Thames Tunnel Archive, will go on display for the first time. Painted by the Brunels throughout the Thames Tunnel project, they offer a unique insight into its creation. The drawings have been described as the most important Brunel collection ever to enter the public domain – they are artistically beautiful while also featuring an exceptional level of technical detail.  The watercolours were buried in a family album for almost 200 years before being acquired by the museum in 2017. They will now have a permanent home on the walls of the restored Engine House.

Community and education at the heart of the project

The already much-loved Tunnel Shaft Garden and the adjacent Piazza will be retained as an open space for community activities and will host free events. The project will also support the development of an educational programme.

The museum will also go on tour to other local venues such as Surrey Quays and Millwall Football Club. A paid trainee role will be created for a young person from a disadvantaged background and work experience will be organised through Lewisham Southwark College for young people with disabilities.

Katherine McAlpine, Director at the Brunel Museum, said: “The Thames Tunnel is where Isambard Kingdom Brunel learnt his trade from his father, so it is only fitting as part of the project there’s a big focus on education. 

“We’re thrilled to provide a traineeship and work experience and will also be working with primary school history and STEM learning programmes. We’re hoping by enabling more people to learn about the amazing story of the Brunels, we can inspire the next generation of engineers.”

For more information about the project visit the Brunel Museum website.