Some of London's renowned transport icons – including the original Underground map, the double-deck Routemaster bus and the famous 'roundel' logo – will take pride of place in a new London Transport Museum opening in October. The museum, in Covent Garden, has been closed since autumn 2005 but reopens with added attractions, in its renovated Victorian Flower Market building, following a £21 million makeover.
Improved environmental conditions will mean that some key attractions, such as world famous posters, original artwork by well-known artists, photographs and architectural drawings, can be displayed for the first time. As well as historic Underground trains, red buses and trams, a new 'time travel' journey will take visitors back to Victorian times when London's rapid growth led to the opening of the world's first underground railway, powered by steam trains. Other attractions will include:
- A World City welcome gallery looking at how other cities around the world have used innovative transport solutions.
- An art and design gallery will display the items that have helped define London's personality over the years: the Underground map by H. C. Beck, the Johnston 'roundel' logo and typeface, 'moquette' seat fabric patterns by renowned designers, as well as pioneering station architecture and vehicle design.
- A new gallery showcasing a changing programme of exhibitions from the museum's collection of posters and artworks, plus visiting exhibitions.
- A learning zone for children, an under five's play area, hands-on exhibits including opportunities to 'drive' an Underground train, plus a new café and 120-seat theatre.
A new museum shop has opened in advance of the main attraction (March 30) in Covent Garden Piazza, selling reproduction posters, art deco classics, t-shirts and transport models, books and souvenirs.
Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk.
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