Located in a colourful converted warehouse in Bermondsey Village, behind London Bridge station, the Fashion and Textile Museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of fashion and textile design.
Founded in 2003 by British designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive insight into the world of fashion, showcasing both historical and contemporary pieces. The museum is an interesting excursion for anyone interested in fashion and its impact on art and culture.
The museum also hosts events including educational courses, talks and workshops.
![The colourful Fashion and Textile Museum was designed by Mexican architect, Ricardo Legorreta. (Photo: Ewan Munro [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fashion-and-textile-museum.jpg)
What to see at the Fashion and Textile Museum
The museum’s collection includes a variety of garments, textiles and accessories from 1947 to the present day. From vintage couture pieces to contemporary streetwear, the collection showcases the evolution of fashion over time, highlighting key trends, techniques and cultural influences. The collection includes iconic garments from renowned designers including Balenciaga, Biba, Christian Dior, Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood.
While it has its own collection, the museum does not have a permanent display and the visitor experience is centred around a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:
Outlaws: Fashion Renegades of 80s London
This exhibition (until 9 March 2025) explores the influential nightclub Taboo, launched by Leigh Bowery in 1985. Known for its bold dress code, the Taboo scene shaped fashion, art and popular culture through figures like Boy George, BodyMap and Pam Hogg. The exhibition showcases garments, accessories and rare pieces from over 30 designers, alongside photography, film and artworks, highlighting the rebellious creativity that defined 1980s London fashion.
Textiles: The Art of Mankind
This exhibition (28 March–7 September 2025) explores the deep connection between textiles and human history, showcasing materials and techniques that shaped both everyday life and industry. Through garments and textiles from around the world, it examines global identities and cultural attitudes toward animals. UK artist Lynn Setterington’s work is also featured, using stitch to reflect on contemporary social issues and community commemoration.
Visiting the Fashion and Textile Museum
The Fashion and Textile Museum is located behind London Bridge railway station in the fashionable Bermondsey Village neighbourhood.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday (it is closed on Mondays and Sundays).
Considering that it is a fairly small museum, the Fashion and Textile Museum is reasonably expensive to visit, although you can get half-price entry with the National Art Pass.
It is fully wheelchair accessible and large-print guides to the exhibitions are available at the entrance to the main gallery.
Visitor facilities include a gift shop. While the museum doesn’t have its own cafe, there are plenty of excellent independent restaurants and cafes in the area.
Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.
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