The Cartoon Museum

The Cartoon Museum is a small, specialist museum in Fitzrovia dedicated to British and international cartoons, comic strips, caricature, and animation art. The collection spans political cartoons from the 18th century through to contemporary graphic novels and popular comic characters, giving the museum a surprisingly broad range that works across multiple age groups. For younger children, the recognisable characters and colourful artwork provide an accessible entry point into art appreciation.

For older children and teens who draw or are interested in art and storytelling, the museum offers genuine inspiration — seeing how professional cartoonists construct composition, express emotion, and develop characters is both educational and genuinely motivating. Under-18s enter free, making the museum excellent value for families paying only adult admission. The museum regularly runs workshops and events for children, often coinciding with exhibitions — checking the programme before visiting is worthwhile.

It's a compact space that doesn't require hours to cover thoroughly, making it a good addition to a broader Fitzrovia or Bloomsbury day that might also include the British Museum or the Grant Museum of Zoology. The neighbourhood has excellent food options, particularly along Charlotte Street and the streets surrounding the museum, and the area has a pleasantly unhurried atmosphere compared to the busier tourist corridors of central London.