London Museum Receives £20M Donation and Largest-Ever Collection of Roman Artefacts

Historic Gift from Bloomberg Philanthropies

London Museum has been awarded a £20 million donation and an extraordinary collection of over 14,000 Roman artefacts, marking the largest private contribution and archaeological archive in the museum’s history. The generous gift comes from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the charitable arm of the global financial news company Bloomberg, founded by Michael R. Bloomberg.

These significant artefacts were unearthed between 2012 and 2014 during the construction of Bloomberg’s European headquarters in the City of London. The findings offer a rare glimpse into Roman London, preserving remnants of its early inhabitants.

A Legacy for London’s Future

Sharon Ament, director of London Museum, described the donation as a “momentous gift that ties the past to the future” and a lasting legacy for the city.

Michael R. Bloomberg, former mayor of New York and founder of Bloomberg, expressed his excitement about the donation, stating:

“These remarkable artefacts offer a unique window into the past, connecting us directly to the voices of its ancient inhabitants. As someone who considers London my second home, I’m honored that our company can help bring these stories to life while strengthening the City’s future.”

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan also praised the contribution, highlighting Bloomberg’s role as a cultural champion and emphasizing the collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping London’s future.

This donation follows a commitment from the Mayor’s office and the City of London Corporation in September, pledging an additional £25 million towards the museum’s development.

Unveiling the Treasures of Roman London

Among the remarkable discoveries at the Bloomberg site is Britain’s most extensive and historically significant collection of Roman writing tablets. These tablets contain the earliest recorded references to London, capturing the voices of its first Roman residents.

Other notable finds include hundreds of Roman leather shoes and artefacts from the Temple of Mithras, a sacred site dedicated to the Roman god Mithras. Since 2017, around 600 of these items have been on display at the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE, offering visitors a fascinating look into ancient Roman life.

New London Museum Set to Open in 2026

Following the closure of its London Wall location, the museum is preparing to open its new home in Smithfield in 2026. The newly designed space will allow for a greater display of these historical treasures, ensuring that the stories of Roman London continue to inspire future generations.

With this unprecedented donation, London Museum is set to become a leading destination for exploring the city’s ancient past while embracing its dynamic future.