In 1833, Sir John Soane bequeathed his house and collection to the nation in an extraordinary act of generosity. 

Though the Private Act of Parliament, Soane stipulated that what became the Museum should be free to enter and unchanged. However, it was not to be a static house-museum but an active place of learning and inspiration. As custodians have done before us, we continue to preserve and share this legacy. 

To do so, we rely upon the support of our donors, Friends and Patrons who underpin our work at various levels. As one of London’s most idiosyncratic collections, we offer a unique programme of events that celebrate the unification of art, architecture and design that the Museum reveals. 

We are Britain’s smallest National Museum, and our relationships with our supporters reflect the warm and informative welcome we seek to give our visitors. 
 

Sir John Soane’s Museum is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is committed to the Fundraising Promise. 

Friends of the Soane Back to top

You can get to know the Soane better through exclusive content, out-of-hours access, and insights delivered straight to your inbox for just £3.50 per month (£40 per year).

  • Enjoy visiting outside of opening hours, with annual events such as breakfast views and evening receptions for you and a guest 
  • Explore further with monthly e-newsletters, featuring exclusive content such as pre-release previews, articles, interviews, and updates
  • Discover new aspects of the Soane and its varying partnerships with a complimentary copy of our Annual Review. 
  • Treat yourself at the Soane Museum shop, with 10% off both in-person and online. 

Become a Friend by completing the form below and emailing it to development@soane.org.uk. Alternatively, please email or phone +44 (0) 20 7440 4243 to find out more.

Soane Patrons' Circle Back to top

Unlock new ways of experiencing the Soane from exclusive behind the scenes evenings at the Museum, to talks, tours, trips and private views of popular exhibitions in London specifically designed for Patrons of the Soane.   

  • Experience a programme of premium events, such as private views, lectures, celebrations, and concerts
  • See behind-the-scenes with individual tours of the Museum and archive
  • Discover new collections, institutions, and places with exclusive visits in London and beyond 
  • Host a private event at the Soane for an evening, with a 10% discount on venue hire
  • Deepen your knowledge with complimentary copies of select publications
  • Receive all the benefits of a Friends’ membership, and a higher tier of priority booking

To become a member of the Soane Patrons’ Circle we ask for an annual suggested contribution of £2,000. This comprises of £500 of benefit, and a suggested donation of £1,500, which directly supports our core function of maintaining and celebrating our building and collection.

If you are interested in joining the Soane Patrons’ Circle we would be delighted to welcome you. Please complete the form below and email it to development@soane.org.uk or contact us by email or phone on +44 (0) 20 7440 4243  to find out more.

Inspectress level membership Back to top

Join several of our Trustees and our closest supporters for more bespoke events, such as dinners in the Museum and small customised events in private or related collections. As a member of the Inspectress Fund, you will have priority booking on events for Patrons’ Circle members, and further access to the Museum outside public hours. 

Members of our Inspectress Fund generously make an annual suggested contribution of £10,000. This comprises of £750 of benefit, and a suggested donation of £9,250. 

Get in touch via development@soane.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7440 4243  to find out more.