The Open Gate - Museum Redevelopment Project

open gate

Our Museum covers the ancient order's unique blend of religious, military and medical history- it is now set to receive a major boost.

The project will create a coherent exhibition space on the ground floor of St John's Gate and the establishment of a memorable visitor experience through:

  • the Entry Gallery, with a welcome desk, shop, and introductory video to help orientate visitors. 
  • the Link Gallery, with key objects beautifully displayed and an interactive timeline.
  • the Order Gallery and St John Ambulance Gallery, charting the story of St John over 900 years, with increased access to the Museum's wonderful collections, improved interpretation and a Children's Trail.
  • A temporary exhibition space and permanent 'Life in the Priory' exhibition in the Priory Church.
  • A 'pavement museum' that will use interpretation in the landscape to re-establish the link between St John's Gate and the Priory Church and bring the fascinating and varied history of St John's Square to life.
  • A Learning Space, which will house the Museum's learning programme.
  • Improved access to the historic buildings and collections though an extended events programme.

For the Museum, Priory Librarian Dr Alan Borg said: 'The Museum of the Order of St John is one of the great hidden treasures of London, tracing the continuous history of a charity that dates back over 900 years. Thanks to the HLF we are now going to 'Open the Gate' where all can see our amazing historical collections and follow the story of St John Ambulance up to the present day.'

Download our Open Gate Brochure for more information on the project.

Download our press release from January 2008

The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked a grant of £1,533,000 and has approved development funding of £128,800 for improvement work to the Museum of the Order of St John in Islington.

Lottery logo

We need your support to complement the Heritage Lottery Fund Grant and to enhance the museum and its collections generally.

If you wish to help, please contact the curator Pamela Willis at St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell EC1M4DA or call her on 020 7324 4005. You can also email her.

We can provide you with more information on Gift Aid (enhance your donation by 28%), Deed of Covenant, Corporate giving etc.