Charles Dickens Museum, London

Spread over the four floors of a typical Georgian terraced house on a private street in an affluent part of London, this museum holds the world's grandest collection of artifacts connected to Charles Dickens' life and work, including letters, paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, original furniture, and various other items. This historic dwelling was the last remaining London residence of the Dickens family, spared from demolition thanks to the Dickens Fellowship, which transformed it into a museum in 1925.

Following the successful publication of his first two works, Dickens and his wife, Catherine Hogarth, moved to this residence in 1837 shortly after their marriage. They resided in the house for a span of two years, during which Dickens penned "Oliver Twist" and "Nicholas Nickleby" and embarked on "Barnaby Rudge". Notably, Catherine gave birth to two children in one of the bedrooms, and her younger sister tragically passed away in Dickens' arms. This poignant event served as inspiration for numerous characters in Dickens' novels and was fictionalized as the death of Little Nell in "The Old Curiosity Shop".

The museum offers a faithful representation of the house in its lived-in state, with much of the furniture having once belonged to Dickens himself. Visitors can also view a variety of portraits, including the unfinished "Dickens' Dream", which depicts the author in his study at Gads Hill Place, surrounded by the many characters he created. Another significant exhibit is Dickens' desk, which he used during public readings of his works. Additionally, the museum hosts special exhibitions and features a charming café with a garden.

Tip:
Several days a week, visitors are allowed to physically handle the displayed items.