The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

4.7/5 based on 586 reviews
Latest Reviews
This man was a towering genius of hie age but also a great son of Lichfield beautifully explored in this building
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Imteresting place, interesting man. Friendly, engaging staff.
google.com
Source: google.com
Opening the door into the bookshop we were greeted by the best of hosts who told us what could be seen and how we should pace our ascents to the upper floors. It proved to be a worthwhile climb with treasures on every level.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had I heard of him? Erm possibly but until I visited this place I couldn't have told you anything about him but the enthusiasm of the staff combined with a museum full of interesting interpretation brought this person to life and set his life firmly in a historical timeline. Be sure to watch the 12 minute video presentation because it's really interesting
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We called in here as part of a short stay in Lichfield. The staff/volunteers had an excellent knowledge of Mr Johnson's history and the house was amazing. Stairs would be a bit of a challenge for those unsteady on their feet just as the front entrance would be but there is a wealth of knowledge and history here that is difficult to take in, in one visit. Next time we're back in Lichfield we will go again.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good
google.com
Source: google.com
Lovely place to visit. Lots of information available about Samuel Johnson. Staff very helpful and knowledgeable.
google.com
Source: google.com
A gem of a place and absolutely not to be missed if in Lichfield. In fact, had I known that I could indulge my curiosity apropos actually using a Quill pen, I would have gone long ago for that alone. The 'meet and greet' by the gentleman who was on duty that day was very helpful and not at all intrusive. The building is so well kept and presented that it is somewhat eerie at times, and it contains an absolute wealth of information and detail that managed to inform and entertain at the same time. I and my friends were all totally engrossed in the Quill Pen incident - so much easier than I had ever imagined. The detail presented of Dr Johnson's association with David Garrick, the creation of the first dictionary and the scope of his work is hugely absorbing.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Situated over 5 floors, you go in at 1st floor, reception area / gift shop area left hand side. Books to right hand side.

Up on next floor is where you get to watch the 12 min video detailing the life of Samuel Johnson, very informative.

Nice display on various floors, plus clothes to dress up in.

Museum / house is free to visit, donations can be given.

Nice place about a local boy from the area.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Such a fascinating place about an even more fascinating gentleman - the displays are attractive and very informative.
google.com
Source: google.com
Made to feel very welcome as soon as we entered the house by the man on reception
Very interesting and informative...dare I say...far more so than London house.
I also don't understand why it is free!
Dvd sets the scene well
There were some children's crafting activities going on whilst we were there too
Definitely worth a visit if in Lichfield
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting fascinating insight into Dr Johnson
google.com
Source: google.com
Had a very interesting time, the assistants gave veryknowlegable information. It's a museum so don't think it would be suitable for young children
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the house where Samuel Johnson was born. It is set out over four or five floors, people with walking difficulties please note. The attendant was friendly and informative and gave us a leaflet explaining what could be seen there. All very interesting and well presented. There wasn't any admission charge which was a bonus, and must be worth a fiver of anyone's money.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The house has a lot of interesting items and information inside, and the free entry is really helpful for tourists and locals alike. We enjoyed the layout and detail that went into the house and the staff were really lovely, passionate and experienced. We learned a lot just from the staff so be sure to ask them if you have any questions when you visit. Highly recommended if you're in the area !
google.com
Source: google.com
Interesting little place that is free to go in.<br>My kids loved the dressing up room.
google.com
Source: google.com
Interesting museum dedicated to all things Samuel Johnson. Worth visiting any time of the year, but as an added bonus they have a huge cake to celebrate his birthday.
google.com
Source: google.com
I enjoyed looking around, something interesting and not the cathedral.
google.com
Source: google.com
I entered the bookshop where I was given an explanatory leaflet by the enthusiastic attendant. There are five levels with fairly steep stairs. The Johnson story is well told and the displays are nicely executed. I left a donation as I departed.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff were informative and friendly. All the rooms were interesting and details printed on cards in each room. There was also a short film to give more information about Samuel Johnson. There was a book shop in the entrance with a very pleasant gentleman who was also able to answer any questions. Second hand books were also for sale.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fascinating museum with knowledgeable guides
google.com
Source: google.com
Tall thin building, worth working your way to the top to see the copy of the famous dictionary. My knowledge of Samuel Johnson was previously only gleaned from Blackadder, so now I know a little more. It’s free so why not visit while you are in the area, it won’t take long.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although I have been an admirer of Dr Johnson for many years, I’m afraid to say that I had no idea that the author of the famous dictionary was actually born in Lichfield. Imagine my immediate delight to find that there was a museum to the great man in the town, and what a fine tribute to this great genius it is. I spent 30 minutes in there, although I wish I had spent more. There is a particularly fine film which only lasts about 12 minutes outlining the life of Dr Johnson, but other artefacts are there as well, and are very interesting. The gentleman in charge of the museum was also an enthusiast, and his interest for his subject made the visit even more enjoyable. I will certainly be visiting Lichfield again, if only to come back to this wonderful museum.
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to while a way an hour or two and brush up on your history and knowledge about Samuel Johnson
tripadvisor.co.uk
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Fascinating man and his story is well told.
google.com
Source: google.com
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In February 2017
Erin Cariney said

This is an interesting and fun museum!