Our story
Johnson’s Birthplace has been a Museum to the writer and his times since 1901. The house was built for Johnson’s parents Sarah and Michael in 1708, and the family ran their bookshop business on the ground floor. Now a Grade I listing building, the Birthplace is a vibrant accredited museum with events and activities throughout the year. Visit our What’s On pages for more details.
Please read our recent Tripadvisor reviews.
Accredited Museum Number 767
Dr Johnson’s Birthplace Trust is Registered Charity Number 500046.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is operated by Lichfield City Council.
Opening hours
The Museum and Bookshop is open every day (except 18 and 19 May, 24-26 August, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) and admission is Free.
1 March – 31 October
10.30am-4.30pm
1 November – 28 February
11.00am-3.30pm
Please note that the Museum and Bookshop are closed on 18 and 19 May, and on 24, 25, 26 August 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
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.
‘To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends, and of which every desire prompts the prosecution.’
