PLEASE NOTE: the museum at Baden-Powell House is no longer open - this page is retained for its historic interest only!
Located opposite the Natural History Museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, Baden-Powell House is a hostel and conference centre owned by the Scout Association. It was built in 1961 as a tribute to Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the modern Scouting movement. For many years B-P House, as it is popularly known, housed a small museum dedicated to the history of Scouting and the life and times of Lord Baden-Powell. That museum has now closed, replaced with a small public display area about modern Scouting.
This small museum tells the story of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout and Guides movements, from his childhood, through his army career, to his death in 1941, by which time Scouts and Guides had gained an enormous following that continues to this day.
The museum traces the development of Baden-Powell's creation from its humble beginnings on Brownsea Island, Dorset, to its present worldwide status. There is a video wall, with a continuous film showing highlights of Baden-Powell's life.
The museum was opened in 1962 by Queen Elizabeth, and since that time has welcomed millions of visitors, many of them members of the Scouts and Guides. The building that houses the museum functions as a budget hostel, welcoming both Scout and Guide members but also open to the general public.
Location
Baden-Powell House
65-67 Queen's Gate
South Kensington
SW7 5JS
Nearest tube:
Gloucester Road
