London Transport Museum is to open the doors to its Museum Depot in Acton from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 June.

Inspired by the 160th anniversary of London Underground this year, ‘The Big Build’ Depot Open Days event will give the public the chance to explore a working museum store full of objects from the capital’s transport past.

Guests will be able to listen to talks and take part in workshops and family activities that probe into the history of London Underground. These will cover both its construction and its development over the years, from impressive large-scale engineering to the design details that have created a brand that is recognised around the world.

Visitors will see original plans for the Underground on display, as well as tools used to dig the first Tube tunnels.

Also on view will be many historic posters, signs, vehicles and maps from the Museum’s collection, and the original versions of Harry Beck’s iconic diagrammatic Tube map, first issued ninety years ago in 1933, when London Underground was brought into public ownership under the London Transport Passenger Board.

The Depot is usually closed to visitors, but holds Open Days as special themed events throughout the year.

These enable visitors to explore the Museum Depot’s collection of over 320,000 historical objects which are stored there rather than being on display in the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, while enjoying a programme of activities.

At all three ‘The Big Build’ Depot Open Days visitors will be able to:

• learn about the evolution of the Tube network over the last 160 years in a talk from Head Curator, Matt Brosnan, who will explore its history through a showcase of twenty objects from the Museum’s collection.
• meet and talk with historical costumed characters who will bring to life key moments in London Underground’s history, including Harry Beck, designer of the iconic Tube map.
• enjoy a live demonstration of heritage signalling equipment.
• design a station and make a personalised Oyster card holder at the ‘Make and Take’ workshop
• join tours of the Depot’s small and large collection objects to discover gems from the Museum’s collection.
• browse the Depot’s vast collection of vintage vehicles, maps, transport curiosities, and the largest collection of London transport signage in the world, showcasing various font prototypes, layouts and design styles.
• visit the original 1930s District Line Q stock train cars and check the progress being made on its restoration
• shop for exclusive gifts and souvenirs – from moquette pattern socks, scarves and cushions, to framed posters, limited-edition prints and authentic Underground signs.
• enjoy a hot meal from local food vendors, Auntie Bonnie’s Jerk Pit, or grab a hot drink and a sweet treat from the Mini Bean Coffee mobile bar.

On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June, visitors will additionally be able to:

• try coding electric toy trains: suitable for children aged eight and above (tickets sold separately on the day).
• step into a Victoria Line driving cab and learn how the trains on the world’s first automatic railway work.
• join in with singing and stories in the Family Zone.
• ride on the London Transport Miniature Railway.

Visit the Museum’s website closer to the event date for the full programme of activities.

Adult tickets costs £17.50 and children’s £8.50. Children aged three and under go free.

Concessions are available including local resident tickets for residents of Ealing, Hounslow or Hillingdon.

Book in advance online here.