If you’re looking for a family-friendly and immersive experience in London, the Balloon Museum is a must-visit attraction that promises a delightful journey into the world of balloon art. We were fortunate to receive an invitation to explore this captivating exhibition, and here’s everything you need to know before you plan your visit.
Location and Schedule:
The Balloon Museum is currently open in London, nestled at 1 Old Billingsgate Walk (Riverside, 16 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DX), with Monument Station conveniently located just a short walk away. The exhibition runs until April 14th, 2024, so be sure to mark your calendars.
Queueing and Entry:
The museum boasts an efficient queuing system, with designated lanes for each time slot. Rain or shine, they’ve got you covered – literally! Umbrellas are provided in case of rain. Remember, your time slot determines your queue lane, making the entry process smooth and organized.
Family-Friendly, Yet Some Cautions:
While the Balloon Museum is designed to be family-friendly, there are elements that might be unsettling for younger audiences. Individuals with epilepsy, balance disorders, or sensory sensitivities should be aware of potential triggers like strobe lights, images, and sounds. Parents, brace yourselves – your kids will likely be tempted to touch everything. Educate them beforehand about the fragility of balloon art to prevent unintentional mishaps.
The exhibition does features interactive parts clearly labeled for exploration. You also have members of staff letting you know what you can and cannot touch. You will be required to wear shoe protectors for the ball pit, where a little show awaits. Keep in mind that there’s a time limit for this playful pit stop.
Balloon Bar and Gift Shops:
At the end of your whimsical journey, indulge in the Balloon Bar offering bagels, pizzas, pastries, and more. Two gift shops await, featuring balloon art from £10 to £25. Balloon animals and flowers are up for grabs. The second shop boasts badges, t-shirts, and jumpers for those seeking memorable souvenirs.
Plan Your Time and Budget:
Allocate at least 90 minutes to thoroughly explore the exhibition. Tickets start from £18, and under 4s enjoy free admission.
“BM20” will give you 20% off admissions. I’ve checked this code on multiple dates and it definitely works!
Another discount you can use “FEB50” gives you 50% off and is valid only February 5th ,6th, 7th, and 8th!
Buggy-Friendly Tips:
While buggies are allowed, navigating the exhibition with them can be challenging due to numerous stairs. Consider leaving your buggy at the entrance, as I saw others do. A cloakroom is available to store your belongings safely, allowing you to enjoy the exhibition unencumbered. The cloakroom is free to use.
Final Thoughts:
Our experience at the Balloon Museum was nothing short of delightful, earning it our “immersive” stamp of approval. For a unique blend of art and adventure, make sure to check out this enchanting exhibition before it floats away from London’s skyline.
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