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Exhibitions

Discover our diverse programme of fan-themed temporary exhibitions.

From religion to royalty through to plastics and politics, since first opening to the public in 1991, the Museum’s 85+ temporary exhibitions have covered a breath-taking variety of fan-related topics. Typically changing every few months, notable past ventures include prestigious exhibitions incorporating loans from the Royal Collection and State Hermitage and contemporary displays featuring the work of lace makers, street artists and modern fan makers such as Sylvain Le Guen and Frédérick Gay. Striking a balance between tradition and innovation, the carefully curated displays pivot around a central display case which often features period costume and/or objets de vertu relevant to themes explored within the displays.


The Fan Museum presents Swaying in the Wind – Frédérick Yvan Manuel Gay: A Contemporary French Fan Maker, which runs from Tuesday 6th October 2026 to Saturday 9th January 2027.

This unique exhibition will showcase around 100 fans fans of the contemporary French fan maker, Frederick Yvan Manuel Gay, to a British audience for the first time.

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Past Exhibitions

Since opening to the public in 1991, The Fan Museum's programme of temporary exhibitions has covered an extraordinary range of fan-related topics. Explore the archive here.

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To find something across our exhibitions, events, news or general content start a search below. Alternatively to explore our fan collection please follow the link to that dedicated section of the website.

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Gathered from across the world, our diverse collection span 1,000+ years of fan history & culture.

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Museum Admission Pricing

Adults: £5.00
Children (age 7-16): £3.00
Family ticket (up to 2 Adults and up to 3 Children, also 1 Adult and 4 Children): £10.00
Concessions: £3.00
  • Students (with vaild student card)
  • Senior citizens
  • English Heritage
  • Friends of The Horniman
  • Friends of The Victoria and Albert Museum
  • Staff/Volunteers of the National Maritime Museum
Free Entry for…

Children under 7, Disabled visitors and carers, Art Fund Members and London Pass Members

Wednesday Special:

Free entry for senior citizens.

Please note that the discounts listed above cannot be applied when visitors are part of a large group visit or guided tour group.  Please click here for further details.

Group Bookings
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From Wed 30th Sept – Sat 3rd October, The Fan Museum will be open for free with only it’s permanent displays accessible.

From Tuesday 6th October, The Fan Museum will be open as usual showcasing it’s new exhibition ‘Swaying in the Wind: Frédérick yvan manuel Gay: A Contemporary French Fan Maker’.

We thank you for your patience!

For any enquiries please contact us on 0208 305 1441 or by email info@thefanmuseum.org.uk.