The Charles Dickens Museum in London is the world’s most important collection of material relating to the great Victorian novelist and social commentator. The only surviving London home of Dickens (from 1837 until 1839) was opened as a Museum in 1925 and is still welcoming visitors from all over the world in an authentic and inspiring surrounding. On four floors, visitors can see paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture and many items relating to the life of one of the most popular and beloved personalities of the Victorian age.



The Charles Dickens Museum is situated at 48 Doughty Street. The house on Doughty Street is where Dickens lived from 1837 and was his residence during the completion of Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist and the Pickwick Papers. The house was is danger of being demolished in 1923 but the building was saved by the Dickens Fellowship, the same group that runs the museum today.

The dining room on the first floor was the site of many dinner parties which were attended by many of London’s literary elite. In the morning room is a bust of Dickens created by Angus Fletcher. The drawing room on the first floor has been refurbished to the state it was during Dickens residence- lilac walls and plum furniture have been recreated from documents and paint samples found in the room. Also on the second floor is the small study that is believed to be the room that Dickens used to write. The desk that Dickens used at the time of his death can be viewed that place. On the second floor are Dickens bedroom and the room where his sister-in-law Mary Hogarth died shortly after they had arrived in the house. A letter by Mary is on display, as are numerous theatre related documents and memorabilia. The halls and rooms of the house are hung with paintings, documents and various pieces of Art. Charles Dickens works have shaped so many readers concepts of London and the museum is gives visitors a unique insight into the author’s environment.

Displays on the upper floors reveal Dickens’ other great passion, the stage. A renowned theatrical producer, director and actor, Dickens was a celebrity during his lifetime. The posters, pictures and other items on display here give an insight into Dickens' life outside his writing. The Dickens House Museum is one of the few London venues open over Christmas itself, with special Christmas events 24 - 26 December.



Visitors to the house may see portions of Dicken’s manuscripts, letters, preliminary drawings by his illustrators, first editions of his books, including the original paper wrapped parts, the desk he used for public readings of his works, and many other exhibits, including furniture, pictures, books and memorabilia. The Dickens House shop offers a wide range of books of Dicken’s work including hardbacks, paperbacks, rare, antique, children's, simplified and abridged for students and biographical studies. There is a good selection of posters and prints and a wide range of souvenirs.