More than 100 volunteers give up their time to help in the Museum, providing us with vital support. From engaging visitors with our Collection, to assisting with behind-the-scenes work, our volunteers ensure the smooth running of the Museum.
Volunteering

Unfortunately we’re not currently taking on new volunteers, if you’d like to volunteer with us please check back in a few weeks.

There are many different ways for you to get involved and gain museum work experience, giving you an insight into museum life. As well as welcoming people at the Information Desk and stewarding the galleries, our volunteers can lead tour groups around the Museum and help out at public events.

Volunteering at the Foundling Museum provides a rewarding and enriching experience for all, and we believe we offer some of the most enjoyable voluntary work in London! We have a friendly, diverse team made up of people of all ages and backgrounds, with differing skills, knowledge and life experiences. Volunteering with us offers an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

We welcome people of all abilities and offer a supportive environment for those with additional needs. You don’t need any experience of working in a museum to join our team, just enthusiasm and commitment. Hours are flexible and we can work around your schedule.

In return for your time we offer an exciting range of benefits including:

  • Reduced entry to partner museums and galleries
  • Group visits to cultural institutions across London
  • Discounts in our shop
  • Special offers at local restaurants
  • Curator-led exhibition tours
  • Seasonal parties

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to volunteer with us. We are a friendly team, and our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. If you have any access requirements, please make these known when you email, and we will ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible.

Most volunteers work approximately three hours per week, but we’re flexible.

We are unable to accept speculative applications or CVs but please check the jobs page for suitable positions.

Visitor Engagement – Gallery Steward Volunteer
In this role you will act as a Gallery Steward, helping engage visitors with the historic Collection of the Foundling Hospital, whilst also ensuring its safety. The Foundling Hospital’s history is complex, and we rely on our Gallery Stewards to provide enrichment and explanations to a wide range of visitors. Some of our best feedback comes from visitors explaining what a difference the Gallery Stewards made to their visit!

Visitor Engagement – Reception Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to assist with the running of our reception. In this role you will be selling admission tickets and shop stock, answering visitor enquiries in person and over the phone, directing calls to relevant staff members, and helping with the retail displays. Our reception volunteers are the face of the museum, providing a warm and friendly welcome that sets visitors up for the rest of their visit.

Yes, we do offer work experience placements – but only to those aged 18 or over. We strongly recommend arranging your placement at least six months in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Please contact Estella at volunteers@foundlingmuseum.org.uk for more details.