6 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE MUSEUMS AT NIGHT THIS WEEKEND

Words: Bethan Kapur

1 Halloween Special at the Charles Dickens Museum
At The Charles Dickens Museum experience Dickens’ beautiful townhouse and allow yourself to become immersed in another era. Sights and smells from the past will be ever present in this dark, ghostly setting, while the possibilities of your future can be explored with the help of a clairvoyant. If it all becomes too eerie you can get a drink from the candle lit bar to calm the nerves. 28 October. £15 per person.
48 Doughty Street, Holborn WC1N 2LX; 020 7405 2127; dickensmuseum.com

Enjoy a Halloween Special at the Charles Dickens Museum

2 The Royal College of Nursing Centenary Celebration with Peter Liversidge
100 years ago, The Royal College of Nursing was born, shaping the nursing profession as it is today. On its 100th birthday, British contemporary artist Peter Liversidge is inviting visitors to be part of a thought-provoking art experience that celebrates nursing through art and song, all while enjoying a delicious dinner. See a performance curated by Peter and RCN members, enjoy a meal using a special recipe cooked up just for the evening and view a unique art installation created in honour of nursing. At the end of the night, you’ll have the chance to take away a piece of the art installation for yourself. 6pm, 29 October. £15 (£10 for RCN members and concessions).
20 Cavendish Square, Marylebone W1G 0RN; 029 2054 6460; rcn.org.uk

The Royal College of Nursing is celebrating 100 years:

3 The mystery of the Craven Street Bones at Benjamin Franklin’s House
Visit the former home of the Benjamin Franklin after dark and consider the mystery of why the skeletal remains of 10 individuals have been found buried under the basement floor. Historian Braena Sykes explores the answer to this question and reveals the darker side of the 18th century’s pursuit of knowledge. 29 October. Tickets £5.
36 Craven Street WC2N 5NF; 0207 925 1405; benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Visit the former home of the Benjamin Franklin after dark

4 The Museum of London’s special Museums at Night programme
The Museum of London is offering a week long series of special Museums at Night events centred on the theme of neglected culture. It spans from 29 October-4 November and all exhibitions are free to visit. The first, on the Saturday, will be the Museum of Lost Sounds, exploring the dark, distant borders of music, sound art and film. Next, on Wednesday, is The Museum of Dark Places which will consist of a series of night walks, readings and performances. Finally on Friday visitors will be asked to pay homage to London’s club culture by stepping back in time for The Museum of Last Parties with venues, music and drinks inspired by eras ranging from the 90’s back to the Victorians.
150 London Wall, the City EC2Y 5HN; 020 7001 9844; museumoflondon.org.uk

Explore the dark, distant borders of music, sound art and film at the Museum of Lost Sounds

5 Candlelit ghost tour and Dracula screening aboard the Cutty Sark
Experience the true horror of life at sea with eerie tours of Cutty Sark on 28 October. Hear the tales of murder and tragedy that fell upon her crew, and make your way down beneath the ship for a screening of the 1958 horror Dracula, with a shot of whisky to warm off the chills… Bring your wits and something comfy to sit on. Times: 7pm, 7.15, 7.30 and 7.45. Ages 18+. Tickets £25, including a candlelit tour, film screening and complimentary shot of whisky).
King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT; rmg.co.uk

See Cutty Sark in a whole new spooky light

6 Pillows and Paintbrushes Sleepover: Haunted Gallery Weekend
Venture into Dulwich Picture Gallery’s very own haunted house and meet a magical sorceress with stories to tell, watch as the 300 year-old paintings are brought to life by mysterious guests and create your own weird and wonderful vintage-style prints. At 11pm it’s time to bed down for the night among the Old Masters and wake up to breakfast and a classic film. Children are encouraged to come in their most frightening fancy dress costume (prize for the best-dressed). Suitable for 7-13 year olds (exceptions made for siblings just outside this age range). Children must be accompanied by an adult. An evening snack and breakfast including fruit, cereal, toast, juice and tea and coffee for accompanying adults is provided. Starts at 6.45pm on 29 October, ending 8.30am 30 October. £50 per person. Click here to book
Gallery Road, Dulwich Village SE21 7AD

Enjoy a spooky sleepover at Dulwich Picture Gallery

Museums at Night is a bi-annual event held by not-for-profit cultural publisher Culture24, where all UK museums, galleries and heritage sites are invited to throw open their doors after hours to showcase their treasures in unexpected ways. It’s a social experience, where visitors can get involved, delve deeper into fascinating subjects and perhaps enjoy a cocktail or two with friends.