Leighton House: A Journey through 100 Years

Leighton House: A Journey through 100 Years

11 October 2025 -  1 March 2026

A free exhibition that charts the museum’s transformation over the course of the last century, featuring never-before-seen archival material and original photographs. Safeguarded first by Lord Leighton’s neighbour and biographer, Emilie Barrington, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea acquired the house in 1926 and opened it as a public museum. It served a variety of additional purposes throughout the 20th century - from a children’s library to a theatre museum - before careful restoration of its famed interiors began in the 1980s.

This exhibition is part of the celebratory programme of 100 Years of Leighton House,  which has inspired a diverse programme of exhibitions, special events and outreach initiatives, with opportunities for audience participation, particularly those from Kensington and Chelsea.

Public Call Out: Share your Memories

Leighton House is on a mission to collate stand-out stories and memorabilia (dating from 1926 to 2025) considered for inclusion in the museum's ‘Centenary Archive’, on-site exhibition, digital content and press stories. We are looking for material involving the building’s various uses throughout that time - from a children’s library in the 1950s to the location of the Theatre Museum, as well as the museum's permanent collection and artworks showcased throughout the years. Submissions can include physical items such as tickets, invitations, or photographs, as well as written, audio or video testimonials. 

Find out more and fill in submission form

Plan your Visit

Leighton House: A Journey through 100 Years

From 11 October 2025 to 1 March 2026

Free to visit

Leighton House | Tavolozza Drawings Gallery

Open Wednesdays to Mondays, 10am- 5:30pm (last entry 4:30pm)

Plan your visit

Acknowledgements

This exhibition has been supported by the DCH Foundation, the museum's Exhibition Circle and The Friends of Leighton House. The promotion and outreach for the programming of 100 Years of Leighton House has been supported by the CORA Foundation.