Croydon Heritage Service

The Croydon Heritage Service comprises the Museum of Croydon and Croydon Archives. The service collects, preserves, interprets and shows the history of the Borough and its diverse communities.

Museum of Croydon

The Museum of Croydon recognises Croydon’s citizens as experts in their own histories and seeks to inspire and enable meaningful learning experiences. 

Collections

The museum holds a range of collections, including:

  • artworks connected to Croydon
  • social history objects
  • the Riesco Collection of Chinese ceramics
  • oral history recordings

These reflect Croydon’s past and present as a place, a culture and a community.

What the museum offers

The museum wishes to make a difference. It provides a space to:

  • explore Croydon’s identity
  • celebrate diversity
  • challenge perceptions
  • share community stories

It invites visitors to reflect on the question:
“What’s Your Croydon?”

Location and opening times

The museum is based in the Croydon Clocktower.

  • Entry is free
  • Open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10am

You can find current and past exhibitions, events and collections.

Croydon Archives

The Croydon Archives preserve the history of the borough and its communities.

Vision

A trusted and comprehensive collection of the archival heritage of the borough of Croydon, that is freely accessible and relevant to residents, the Council and the public for the long term.

Mission

  • To collect, protect, reflect and connect the archival heritage of the borough of Croydon to encourage a sense of personal identity, confident communities, extensive learning and endless creativity.
  • To ensure the permanent preservation of Croydon Council’s archival records, serving as the corporate memory for Croydon Council and a key resource for its democratic accountability and decision-making.
     

The archive holds:

  • over 1,200 collections
  • more than 138,000 items

These include records relating to:

  • the London Borough of Croydon
  • earlier local authorities
  • the people and communities who live in Croydon

The Local History Collection includes books, publications and other materials about Croydon’s history.

Purpose

The archive aims to build and maintain a comprehensive collection of Croydon’s heritage.

It is designed to be:

  • accessible
  • relevant
  • available for long-term use by residents, researchers and the public

Research room

You can view archive and local history materials in the research room by appointment.

Opening times

  • Wednesday: 10am to 1pm, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
  • Thursday: 10am to 1pm
  • Friday: 10am to 1pm, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 1pm, 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Access

You must book an appointment to view archive materials.

Walk-ins are welcome for open access resources, if space is available.

Find out more about: