Jack the Ripper Museum

Through exhibits, artefacts and interactive displays, you can explore the theories, investigations and societal impact of the Ripper murders. Whether drawn by historical curiosity or a fascination with true crime, the museum provides a sombre and thought-provoking experience for those interested in delving into this infamous chapter of London’s past.

The museum claims to portray the Jack the Ripper murders from the perspective of his victims, although, before visiting the museum, it is easy to get the impression that the Jack the Ripper industry (the museum as well as the Jack the Ripper walking tours that operate in this neighbourhood) is glorifying a serial killer. However, the museum gets a lot of positive reviews, which is a credit considering that the museum’s theme could have easily made this a tasteless tourist attraction on par with the Dungeons or the London Bridge Experience.

What to see at the Jack the Ripper Museum

The museum takes a look at the Ripper murders through a variety of exhibits, artefacts and interactive displays, providing a sobering glimpse into one of the most notorious unsolved crimes in history.

Upon entering the museum, you are immersed in the setting of Victorian London with various rooms set up as replicas of scenes relating to Jack the Ripper’s murders, his victims and the police investigation. These include a replica crime scene, a recreated Victorian-era living room, a recreated police station and a replica of a morgue.

The exhibits detail the social and economic conditions of the era, providing context for the series of brutal murders that occurred between 1888 and 1891. Through newspaper clippings, police reports and witness reports, you can gain insight into the fear and hysteria that gripped the East End during the Ripper’s reign of terror.

One of the focal points of the museum is the exploration of the victims themselves. Through photographs and biographical information, you can learn about the lives of the six victims. The museum makes an effort to humanise these women, shedding light on their struggles and the societal factors that left them vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

In addition to examining the victims, the museum delves into the various theories and suspects surrounding the Ripper case. You can explore the evidence, ranging from witness statements to forensic analysis, that has fueled speculation and debate for over a century. The museum presents a balanced view of the case, acknowledging the complexity and uncertainty that continues to shroud the identity of the Ripper.

Visiting the Jack the Ripper Museum

The Jack the Ripper Museum is on Cable Street in East London, which runs parallel to a DLR line. It is between Whitechapel and Wapping, close to The City of London and the Tower of London is less than a 15-minute walk from here.

The closest station is Tower Gateway DLR, which is a six-minute walk from the museum, although Aldgate East (District and Hammersmith & City lines) and Tower Hill (Circle and District lines) tube stations are more convenient for most visitors. Both stations are around a 10-minute walk from the museum.

The museum is open daily and admission is £12.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.

Jack the Ripper walking tours

In addition to visiting the museum, there are also several different walking tours available that focus on the Jack the Ripper murders. These include the following tours:

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