“World’s first” Museum of Youth Culture to open in London this year

The “world’s first” youth culture-focused museum is set to open later this year in London, offering a look into teenage life over the last century.

The Museum of Youth Culture will open for the first time in December at St. Pancras Campus in Camden after two decades in the making, giving a glimpse into the music, memorabilia, and subcultures of Britain's youth.

Taking over a 6500sq ft space, the museum promises to “collect, preserve and celebrate the real stories and impact of teenage life” with a “radical, national collection” of memorabilia.

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“This is more than a place to look back, it’s a space to participate, contribute, and shape the cultural narrative together,” says founder Jon Swinstead. “Camden has been synonymous with music and youth culture for decades, making it the natural home for the museum.”

The museum gives the first “permanent home” to its collection and archive, which includes “well-worn band t-shirts, iconic photography, rave flyers, dub soundsystems and school leavers shirts, all under one roof”.

The exhibition will also trace through a century of youth culture history, from post-war London to punk movements, the acid house era to lost music subcultures.

Three gallery spaces will be available to view, two of which will feature highlights from its permanent collection, and a third free space for young creatives to exhibit their work.

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“We’re creating a space for stories that have often been overlooked but are essential to understanding who we are,” Swinstead says. "Youth culture drives innovation, challenges norms, and creates communities - it’s one of the most powerful forces in society.”

The Museum of Youth Culture is supported by Fred Perry, and will also offer a “programme of hands-on educational music production workshops” backed by Native Instruments and Plugin Boutique.

Additionally, the museum will feature a café, a record store, and a rolling programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks, and community events.

Find out more about the Museum of Youth Culture here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter