Clearly the cinema has evolved over the years and part of its glamour has been lost with the advent of the modern multiplex.  However, for those seeking a nostalgic glimpse at the history and evolution of cinema they need look no further than London’s Cinema Museum.  This relatively new participant in the London museum scene was founded in 1986 and is based on the collection of the two founders - Ronald Grant and Martin Humphries - who have had a passion for preserving the history of cinema - a passion that is clearly evident in their collections and hosted events. 

The museum is located ‘The Master’s House’, a portion of an old Lambeth workhouse that once housed Charlie Chaplin, his mother and his half-brother, Sidney, back in the late 19th Century (when he was aged 7).  An interesting connection between the building and its current usage.

The Collection:  The museum covers all facets of the cinema - including projectors, film (over 17 million feet), ushers’s uniforms, furniture, over a million photographic images, film posters, original cinema art and historical signage.  As many cinemas around the country closed, the owners would salvage items that helped preserve the history of cinema and give a complete picture of the cinema experience and its evolution over the last century.

Events:  The Cinema Museum maintains a schedule of special events including regular talks, screenings, exhibitions and live events.  Many of their scheduled presentations finvolve film industry experts and film historians.  Screening often occur in their intimate 36-seat screening-room complete with historic seating and signage.  Events usually afford the opportunity to visit the full museum collection. 

For more information or to see a calendar of events visit their website:  http://www.cinemamuseum.org.uk or view their twitter feed @cinemamuseum

Visting:  The Museum is currently only available to visit by prearranging a tour.  While the museum is generally open daily, visitors must call or email in advance to secure a visit (phone: 020 7840 2200 or email [email protected]). Guided tour: £10 per adult, £7 for children and concessions. 

Located at: The Master’s House, 2 Dugard Way, SE11 4TH

Closest Tube: Elephant and Castle

The BFI is essentially the epicentre of British Film - offering the visitor three screens to view films on (plus an IMAX nearby), a research centre, library, store, public exhibits and restaurants.   While you can buy a membership, non-members can buy tickets to almost all events.  The BFI provides exposure to new mainstream and independent film, as well as insight, historical perspective and festivals.  The BFI was founded in 1933 and has cultural, creative and industrial roles.  They receive Lottery funds to support film production, distribution, education and audience development.  BFI also maintains and curates the National Archive, and celebrates the best of British and international filmmaking through festivals, film restoration, DVD releases and cinema programming.  Over 2,000 classic and contemporary films are screened annually, and there are over 1,000 hours of free film and TV in the Mediatheque.  This area allows you to explore the BFI National Archives for free. You can view everything from home movies to feature films with many rare titles not seen since their original release. The Mezzanine holds changing exhibitions of the thousands of posters, scripts, costumes and other related ephemera from the BFI National Archive and BFI National Library. There is also a shop and two bars/restaurants:  The Benugo Bar & Kitchen - a trendy restaurant and bar (reservations available) or The Riverfront - more casual, less trendy.

BFI Southbank hosts the annual London Film Festival - typically in October.  2012 marks the 56th year of this film festival.  In addition to the BFI Southbank facility, BFI has partnered with Odeon in the management of BFI IMAX - the largest screen in Britain.  Tickets are now handled directly with Odeon for screenings at this location.

BFI Southbank is open every day from 11:00 to 23:00, and 11:00 to 23:30 on Friday and Saturday.  Tickets can be purchased online or in person.  Tuesdays generally offer discounted tickets.  See their website for more details including film showings and ticket preorders: www.bfi.org.uk

Located at: Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XT

Closest tube: Waterloo