Plan your visit
Welcome to the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, the family home of writer Samuel Johnson (1709-1784).
The Museum stands in the centre of the historic city of Lichfield.
The Grade I listed building contains a varied mix of displays. Visitors can explore five floors which tell the story of Johnson’s life from childhood to national celebrity. See Johnson’s famous English dictionary, try hands-on activities, play historical dress up, and have a go at our family trails.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Opening hours
The Museum and Bookshop are open every day, Monday-Sunday (except 29-31 August, 18 November 2026, and Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day).
Admission is free, donations are welcome.
1 March – 31 October
10.30am-4.30pm
1 November – 28 February
11.00am-3.30pm
Access to some rooms may occasionally vary due to events at the Museum. If you are making a special journey to the house then please contact us to find out about any changes that might affect your visit.
Any planned closures will appear on this page.
How to find us
For travel information, please visit our Find Us page.
Address: Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum, Breadmarket Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LG
Telephone: 01543 264972 Email: sjmuseum@lichfield.gov.uk
Facilities
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum stands in the centre of Lichfield, in walking distance to carparks, public toilets, and many places to eat and shop.
We do not have a toilet on site, but there are many nearby. Please visit this page (external link) for information on where to find public toilets or ask one of our helpful staff when you visit.
The Museum does not have parking, but there are many car parks nearby. Please visit this page (external link) for information on parking in Lichfield city centre.
We do not have a café at the Museum, but Lichfield has many wonderful cafes, pubs, bakeries, and restaurants all within walking distance. Please visit the Eat & Drink | Visit Lichfield page (external link) for more information on food and drink in the city. The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum has five steps to enter the Museum, and the building is Grade I listed, so unfortunately, we are unable to install a lift. For more information on access, please visit our access information page.
Visitor information
Access information
Please visit our access information page.
Photography
Photography is allowed but not for commercial use. We do not allow the use of tripods, selfie-sticks, or flash photography inside the Museum. We ask that you respect the privacy of other visitors when taking photographs.
Smoking and vaping policy
We do not allow smoking or vaping in the Museum.
Children under 16
Families and children are most welcome. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome inside the Bookshop and Museum.
Non-assistance dogs are not allowed in the Museum, however well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the Bookshop.
Visiting safely
For your safety and comfort:
You may wish to wear a face covering in our smaller spaces.
Please be kind and give fellow visitors space while you visit the Museum.
Plenty of hand sanitiser is available at our entrance and throughout the building.
The Museum has a steep staircase and original floors that have lots of character, so for your safety we request that visitors wear sensible footwear and do not wear stiletto heels.
Organising a school trip
If you’d you like to book a school trip, please visit our schools page for more information.
Organising a group trip
If you’d like more information on visiting with a group, or booking guided tours or walks, please visit our groups, tours, and talks page.
Visiting with a family
Please check out our families page for more information on visiting the Museum as a family.
Please visit Days out | Visit Lichfield (external link) if you’d like to find more things for families to do in Lichfield.
Where can I eat
Lichfield has many cafes, bakeries, pubs, and restaurants to choose from, many within walking distance from the Museum. For more information on where to eat and drink, please visit Eat & Drink | Visit Lichfield (external link).
What other attractions are nearby?
There is so much to see and do in Lichfield. For more information on visiting this fantastic city, please visit Homepage | Visit Lichfield (external link).
Lichfield
Cathedral
5 minute walk away
Old Guildhall Prison Cells
2 minute walk away
Erasmus Darwin House
7 minute walk away
The Hub at St Mary’s
1 minute walk away
‘All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own, and if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.’
