Group Visits

Group Visits and Learning at 19 Princelet Street

'...goes right to the heart of who we are today'
The Guardian

Visitors entranced by poems about the Somali diaspora. Credit: 19 Princelet Street
Visitors entranced by poems about the Somali diaspora

19 Princelet Street is a magical building, a place of learning and engagement.

Visitors leave with an understanding of how successive waves of newcomers have shaped the building, the area and the nation. They experience a powerful sense of place, where attitudes can be challenged and developed. Whatever their age or background, we can arrange a special opening for your group. Click here to find out how to organise a visit.

Whether school students or business leaders, young people who have committed racially motivated crimes or academic researchers and students, all have found something revealing and relevant here.

'Our visit to 19 Princelet Street was a revelation'
Banker, 2004

Groups from many countries and many diverse organisations have come to 19 Princelet Street to engage with issues such as immigration, race, language, architecture, building restoration, religion, local and national history, museum representation, diversity, inclusion, discrimination and identity.

'Every schoolchild in England should see this'
Sir Bernard Crick, author of Citizenship and the Curriculum

Hague School, Bethnal Green
Hague School, Bethnal Green

19 Princelet Street is able to give children a unique experience, while providing key links to the national curriculum. It relates directly to the curriculum requirements for history and citizenship, highlighting political, spiritual, moral, social and cultural events and issues; both past and present.

19 Princelet Street is also a resource for learning within literacy, art and religious studies. Learning at the museum is cross-curricular. Pupils will talk with the motivating and diverse museum volunteers, expanding their breadth of study.

'The best school visit ever. It really made me think'
Farhana, aged 10, Argyle School

More links to the national curriculum will soon be available, together with suggestions for pre-visit and post-visit activities, and feedback from teachers and pupils.

TO ORGANISE A VISIT

The Australian Minister for Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs visiting in 2005
The Australian Minister for Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs visiting in 2005

19 Princelet Street is the only cultural institution in Europe dedicated to themes of immigration and diversity. Learning and access are at the heart of what we do, so - although normally closed - we do use our limited resources to open whenever possible for group bookings.

Visits to 19 Princelet Street must be booked in advance, and we ask that you give us as much notice as possible (normally at least 4 weeks).

Please email us at [email protected] with details of the group, including estimated numbers, and preferred date.

Things you should know

  • We prefer a maximum of 30-40 people (although we can cope with more, with good notice).
  • Although we are committed to opening access to full access in future, health and safety requirements currently prevent us from offering complete access to individuals who are unable to use stairs. Wheelchair access to ground floor is possible by arrangement.
  • A visit lasts between 1 and 2 hours and normally involves two talks and private view of the building and exhibitions.
  • The building is much colder than outdoors, so visitors need to dress for cold, especially in winter!!
  • There is a toilet (no disabled access) within the building. Large coats and bags are left in the hallway.
  • We do not permit smoking, mobile phone use or photography.
  • There are many cafes and restaurants within two minutes walk on Brick Lane, and we are happy to make recommendations.

Cost / Donation policy

We do not have a standard charge, though we do ask for donations to help cover the cost of opening the building and contribute towards our ongoing work.

We try not to exclude anyone on economic grounds. If your group genuinely has no money, then we will often be able to arrange a visit anyway. We give priority to schools, charities, educational and community groups, and ask for lower donations (or none) from those with limited resources.

Most groups are able to make a donation of at least £5 per person with a minimum total of £100 for a group. University groups will typically donate around £200. We will always try to make special arrangements for groups such as recently arrived refugees, people who are unwaged or on limited pensions.

We have a 14 day settlement period, and as part of our booking conditions if the visit is cancelled within 21 days of the date agreed then your organisation will be liable for the full amount.

Should you be paying by cheque, these need to be made out to The Spitalfields Centre (this is the registered name of the charity and a title now used only for financial transactions. 19 Princelet Street is the preferred name to be used for all other communications and descriptions).

Invoices and receipts will be provided when requested.

For further information please see our access policy
Or call: 020 7247 5352
Or email: [email protected]

We hope to welcome you here soon!