Since 1348 The Charterhouse has been many things: a monastery, private mansion, boys school and an almshouse.

Even today, The Charterhouse is still an almshouse. The almshouse provides a home and care for single people over 60 years old. It is specifically aimed at people who are capable of living independently but are in financial and social need.

The collection

The Charterhouse is custodian of a wide range of historic objects. Acquired over the course of seven centuries, the collection includes a rich body of historic museum, archive and library material. Much of it is cared for and displayed on-site.

The museum houses some 120 objects, starting in the present day and working backwards through time. The displays reveal the fascinating history of the site through a lovely collection of curated objects.

Archaeology

An array of archaeological material has been revealed when successive changes have been made to the site.

Art

Over the years, the gardens and buildings of Charterhouse have inspired an abundance of visual representations. A collection of over 1000 paintings, photographs, postcards, prints and drawings are in their care. There are portraits of 17th century Governors and there is an extensive collection of 19th and 20th century photographs and postcards.

Library

The three library collections illuminate the lives lived and lost at The Charterhouse over the centuries.

Silver

A guided tour will bring you face to face with the fabulous collection of historic silver.

Social history
Since opening its doors to the public in 2017 an increasing number of visitors have discovered a connection to the Charterhouse in their family tree.

The Address

The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AN