After 5 years in Lewisham, the Migration Museum  is making its move towards Square Mile in Central London, but not without leaving behind their mark in the local area. 

The Migration Museum is set to make its move to Central London in 2027, but it hopes to take several pieces of Lewisham with it and leave some of its own behind. 

Nanda Valdez, an exhibition researcher at the Migration Museum, told Eastlondonlines:: “We hope to leave a lasting legacy of connection, pride, and continued engagement in Lewisham. By providing resources for local schools, running workshops, and building strong ties within the community, we aim to ensure that migration stories continue to resonate with local residents.

The museum has made the busy Lewisham Shopping centre its temporary home since 2019.

Valdez said: “Located in a busy shopping centre, we’ve reached audiences who might not typically visit a museum, allowing us to engage with a broad range of visitors. Lewisham’s history as a migration hub aligns perfectly with our mission, and the community’s enthusiasm has amplified our work and extended our reach.”

The museum tried to incorporate the locals in their work often, by curating exhibitions that spoke to the residents of Lewisham. 

Valdez said: “Lewisham’s diversity has influenced and shaped our storytelling approach, ensuring that we represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds and migration experiences. Exhibitions like Inside/Outside and All In Between celebrate the borough’s multiplicity by showcasing local artists and their migration journeys.

“By telling these stories, we are able to reflect the tapestry of Lewisham’s cultural landscape. Lewisham’s residents see their lived experiences reflected in our exhibitions, which lights pride and connection to a history of the borough that is both personal and universal.” 

The influence of the Migration Museum on Lewisham

The Migration Museum and Lewisham’s community have had a symbiotic relationship over the years, helping each other in several ways, especially culturally. 

Valdez said: “The Migration Museum fostered a sense of community in Lewisham by creating spaces for residents to share their perspectives and shape the museum’s direction. Our People’s Panel empowered community members to co-create exhibitions and events, ensuring that the stories we told reflected the experiences and values of the local community.” 

The museum has also served as a space for residents to meet and spend their time.  

“Together, these initiatives created a welcoming, engaging environment where community connections were strengthened, and everyone felt represented.” Valdez added.

The museum worked closely with Lewisham based schools and youth organisations to assemble workshops. 

“Since 2020, we’ve welcomed over 17,500 students and 1,300 teachers, with feedback showing increased understanding of migration and identity. Teachers value the resources and training we provide, which support them in confidently addressing complex topics. Our partnerships, like those with Teach First , further underscore our commitment to empowering the next generation to engage with Britain’s migration story.” 

The future of the museum

Though there are big plans in place for the museum’s future, they haven’t forgotten their roots, much like the several people they represent in their exhibitions. 

Valdez said: “Our time in Lewisham has taught us the value of accessibility, inclusivity, and organic engagement. Located in a shopping centre, we have been able to connect with a wide range of people in an approachable, everyday setting, demonstrating the importance of making migration stories accessible to all.”