Earlier this month 15 cultural institutions joined forces to launch the #ShopMuseums campaign, urging Christmas shoppers to buy gifts and decorations from the nation’s struggling visitor attractions – whether online or, if and when restrictions allow, on-site.
An increasing number of museums are using the hashtag to promote their shops on social media, and this Sunday has been designated #MuseumShopSunday to try and drive sales up further.
Can Christmas shoppers save the nation’s museums during second lockdown?
Who's in?
The institutions behind the #ShopMuseums campaign include:
Imperial War Museums
Natural History Museum
The British Museum
Science Museum
Tate Britain
The Wallace Collection
British Library
Royal Museums Greenwich
National Army Museum
National Portrait Gallery
Whitechapel Gallery
Museum of London
Norfolk Museums Service
Tyne & Wear Archive & Museums
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
With Christmas less than a month away, we have compiled the M+H team’s 20 favourite buys to help showcase the amazing range of items available at museum shops.
The team’s Top 20
Museum of London
Keep the rain and the patriarchy at bay in 2021.
Natural History Museum
When it comes to tree decorations, he’s the natural selection.
WHY are these not available in adult sizes?!
Imperial War Museums
If ever a year justified drinking like Churchill…
Apparel featuring the only aircraft more iconic than Santa’s sleigh…
British Museum
Just to ensure the festive season isn’t free of a good old family feud…
Anyone looking for an ironic 2020 bauble?
National Portrait Gallery
It’s 50% off. Ask no questions, just Putin your basket.
A Tudor decoration that should beheading straight to the checkout.
Wallace Collection
“I love your earrings. What are they?”
“Oh, thanks! They’re bejewelled moths”
British Library
The perfect way to ensure your feet look Hunky Dory this Christmas.
Another timeless classic here.
I, for one, will be eating like Bruce Bogtrotter this entire festive season.
Science Museum
It may be bold and a tad on the pricey side but hey, after a year of lockdowns you have to dream big!
It would be rude to hang a NASA jacket on just any old hook.
Royal Museums Greenwich
Dreaming of a green Christmas? Thoughtful gifts don’t have to cost the Earth.
A traditional stocking filler knot to be missed!
National Army Museum
A tote bag to make Captain Tom proud.
Tyne & Wear Museums
While heritage attractions in spa towns across the UK remain closed, bring the Roman bath experience to your very own tub!
Whitechapel Gallery
Feeling rebellious this Christmas? Bob & Roberta Smith has you covered.
Beamish, the Living Museum of the North
Finally, a tasty treat.
If you are buying this purely because you love the tin then please forward the gingerbread to the M+H team.
You can keep up to date with all the work being done to promote museum shops by following #ShopMuseums and #MuseumShopSunday on social media.
