Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration confirms its opening date

Delayed several times, London’s new museum of drawings, the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, has confirmed its opening date.

New RIver Head buildings (c) ianVisits

The museum, housed in an old industrial building, was originally expected to open in 2022, but was pushed back and is now expected to open in May 2026. They’ve now confirmed that the opening date will be Friday 5th June 2026, with three exhibitions, a cafe, shop, gardens, and free spaces, including a Library and Creative Studio.

When it opens, the centre will display over 100 of Quentin Blake’s original, rarely seen drawings, showcasing his theatrical influences as an illustrator.

There will also be the first major exhibition on queer comic-making in the UK, spanning from the 1940s to the current day in Queer as Comics; and delve into MURUGIAH’s kaleidoscopic –  sometimes macabre – world exploring themes of identity and mental health through vibrant works inspired by Hollywood, sci-fi and 2000s pop punk.

Tickets for the Centre’s first exhibitions will go on sale on Wednesday 29th April 2026 from here.

(c) ianVisits

Support for the £12.5 million project includes £3.75 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Other support came from the London Borough of Islington and support from trusts, foundations and philanthropists.

The museum is about a 10-minute walk from Angel tube station.