The Postal Museum holds nationally important archive and museum collections, caring for the visual, physical and written records of five centuries of postal heritage. The new home provides public access to a major part of our national history through the stories of the first social network.

An existing inter-war building on the Mount Pleasant Royal Mail site, Calthorpe House has been repaired and extended to provide exemplary accommodation for the conservation, archiving and research of the collection.

Entered through an enclosed courtyard to the north, front of house we have created a welcoming and accessible building that is sensitive to the practical aspects of archive design, security, and environmental control and visitor routes. The courtyard provides off the street gathering spaces and, along with an internal flexible café, shop and welcome area can be opened up for special events. 

The interactive exhibition space showcases nationally important collections, including historic delivery vehicles, the earliest roadside pillar box as well as unique and priceless sheets of Penny Black stamps.

Back of house, the museum delivers a new archive and research facilities for the care and conservation of the collections which make up the rich story of communication, industry and innovation in one of Britain’s most important global services.

This new London attraction, along with its sister museum Mail Rail, displays a unique set of world class collections, offering an immersive and innovative experience.