The institution of prime minister is woven into the fabric of British society – yet there is no museum dedicated to the country’s highest political office, nor to the premiers who collectively have served the nation for more than 300 years since Robert Walpole became the first to do so in 1721.
Today, Sir Anthony Seldon, the author and historian and Dr Robert D. Kilgour, the entrepreneur, announce a campaign to establish a permanent Museum of the Prime Minister (MoPM) – located initially in London with regional locations to follow later.
The initiative – endorsed by Sir John Major KG CH, Lord Deben, and Penny Mordaunt MP – is launched with a new website and a 185-page report, compiled by the historical researcher Jonathan Meakin, that considers similar institutions abroad and examines why they believe there must be a MoPM established in Britain.
It can also be revealed that:
- permission has been granted to curate a temporary exhibition during 2024 in 11th Century Westminster Hall to celebrate the institution of prime minister and marking its 300 year history.
- retired Air Commodore Michael Jenkins CBE will lead the search for a permanent home for the museum.
Sir Anthony Seldon, founder and creator of MoPM, said: “There is no part of Britain, and not many parts of the world, untouched by the decisions of the prime minister. Downing Street has been the most powerful street in history and it is time for a museum dedicated to the prime minister and No 10. It will be a centre that educates, informs, researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of the most long-standing leaders office in the democratic world”.
Dr Robert D. Kilgour, co-founder and chairman of MoPM, said: “The office of prime minister is a legacy that Britain has given to the world. And yet there is no museum dedicated to this great office, nor to the collection of people who have served in it. But it does not have to be like this. So many other countries in the world have established museums and exhibitions to celebrate their former leaders. Our report considers their example and will, I hope, encourage debate about establishing a museum of the prime minister here in the United Kingdom”.
Sir John Major KG CH, the former Conservative prime minister, said: “Britain is a nation which thrives upon her history, and yet – unlike many other countries – there is no Museum dedicated to the Office of Prime Minister. That is now to be rectified. There are many truths – and as many myths – about the 57 Prime Ministers who, thus far, have presided over our national evolution. I believe this Museum will bring to life the context of their Premierships, their hopes and fears, successes and setbacks. It will also explain why that title has become the longest surviving template for the role of Head of Government across most of the Western World. I wish it every possible success”.
Media Enquiries: Media@museumofpm.org
Sunday 10 December 2023
