Baroness Twycross visits the Foundling Museum for National Lottery Open Week

Baroness Twycross, the DCMS Minister for Heritage, Museums and Gambling, visited the Foundling Museum in London to mark National Lottery Open Week, the annual celebration of the £32 million that National Lottery players raise every week for good causes across the United Kingdom.

The visit, held at the Museum's historic home in Bloomsbury, brought together senior figures from across The National Lottery family, including Darren Henley, Chair of The National Lottery Forum and Chief Executive of Arts Council England, alongside representatives from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Allwyn.

The Foundling Museum was a fitting venue for the occasion. Over its history, The National Lottery has invested more than £1 million in the Museum through Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, support that has been vital to the institution's development as a fully independent charity.

Museums, Heritage and Gambling Minister, Baroness Twycross said "The powerful stories that the Foundling Museum tells of people who have been in care are both poignant and empowering - and it's thanks to the National Lottery, raising over £32 million each week for good causes, that these important histories can be told.

"It was a pleasure to visit, just as all National Lottery players are enjoying free entry, discounts and special offers in sites like these across the country this week. The National Lottery has helped more than 670,000 projects across the UK, and I encourage everyone to make the most of one local to them."

The Foundling Museum has received over £1 million in National Lottery investment over the years, helping it grow into the remarkable independent cultural institution it is today, preserving a remarkable piece of Britain's social and artistic history.

Emma Ridgway, CEO & Artistic Director, Foundling Museum added, “The Foundling Museum was delighted to welcome such distinguished guests during National Lottery Open Week, celebrating the immense impact that National Lottery ticket‑holders have on museums and cultural institutions across the UK.

“Thanks to National Lottery funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, the Foundling Museum can inspire visitors through our fascinating collections and the stories they tell, whilst deepening our work to build the skills and confidence of children and young people, inspired by our historic roots.”

A Museum with Deep Roots

The Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury shares its origins with some of London's most enduring children's organisations, and a pivotal moment in British social history – all rooted in the legacy of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity. This historic site is where the nation's first public art gallery welcomed visitors, and where cultural philanthropy was born as leading artists and musicians helped to inspire the public and drive social change.

The Museum is housed in a 1930s building that served as the Foundling Hospital's London headquarters after the children's home moved out of the city. It preserves key cultural elements from the original 1740s Hospital, including the first art gallery and important architectural features, alongside a nationally significant collection of art, music and precious objects connected to the Hospital's work.

Opening in 2004 with a £3 million loan from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the Museum has since secured its long-term future. Following a successful fundraising campaign in 2023, the Foundling Museum secured a virtual freehold on its building and now operates as a fully independent arts and cultural institution.

The Foundling Museum welcomes thousands of visitors each year, who enjoy exploring its rich permanent collection and acclaimed exhibitions. It works with leading contemporary artists, writers and musicians, and helps to develop the skills and confidence of young people with experience of care through an award‑winning arts learning programme, part of its wider creative work with community groups.

The National Lottery has invested £1,065,170 across 12 grants in the Foundling Museum through Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. When combined with Arts Council Grant in Aid and the National Heritage Memorial Fund, total public investment in the Museum since 2004 stands at £10,690,894

National Lottery Open Week 2026

National Lottery Open Week runs from 7–15 March 2026, as a thank you to players for the £32 million raised each week for good causes. From the UK’s most loved heritage sites, world class sports and arts venues to grassroots projects quietly changing lives, every ticket leads to something extraordinary. With more than 750 special offers at venues across the UK, players can present any National Lottery ticket, including Lotto, EuroMillions, Set For Life, Thunderball, Scratchcard or Instant Win Game, to receive free or discounted entry or another special offer.

To find National Lottery Open Week offers near you, visit www.NationalLotteryOpenWeek.com.

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