Smithfield General Market to open for first time in decades ahead of Museum of London transformation

The historic Smithfield General Market will open to the public for the first time in decades next month before being transformed into a museum.

The derelict Victorian building on the corner of Charterhouse Street and Farringdon Road is one of dozens of the capital’s hidden architectural gems in this year’s Open House weekend on September 21 and 22.

Designed by Tower Bridge architect Horace Jones, it was damaged in the Second World War and has lain unused since the Nineties, but still boasts a grand domed roof and intricate ironwork. In five years time it will become the new £330 million home of the Museum of London.

The transformation was originally expected to cost £250 million but recent studies found that more work is needed to bring the 19th-century buildings up to date.

Plans for the new Museum of London sit include ideas for making the building a 24-hour destination to mirror near-neighbours like the meat market and Fabric nightclub.

The full programme for this year’s Open House weekend will be announced on Tuesday.