EastEnders at 40: Icons of Home and Drama

Open 20 February to 22 June 2025 | 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA

Museum of the Home celebrates the 40th anniversary of BBC’s EastEnders and its vibrant portrayal of East London life in a special display, which will see a monthly rotation of iconic costumes and props, spotlighting moments that have shaped the beloved soap across the decades.

Based in Hackney, Museum of the Home tells the ever-changing stories of home. Visitors are invited to learn about life in the real East End and reflect on lived experiences of Hackney by exploring their galleries, or joining guided tours and interactive Almshouse 14 tours.

"We're delighted to be part of celebrating EastEnders 40 with this exciting and unique display in our Rooms Through Time galleries", shares Sonia Solicari, Director of Museum of the Home. “This display offers fans a chance to get up close and personal with forty years of stories through real props and costumes from the show—as well as the chance to reflect on the real East End through our period room sets and galleries here in Hoxton." 

First airing in 1985, the landmark BBC soap opera EastEnders spotlighted the everyday lives of the residents of Albert Square in the fictional east London borough of Walford. From its first episode, EastEnders was a massive hit, drawing in 17 million viewers. 

Get up close and personal with forty years of stories through real props and costumes from the show. Drop into the Museum each month to see the costumes and accessories below.