The Insurance Museum, in partnership with the Bank of England Museum, announces AFTER THE FIRE: INSURANCE, FINANCE & A REBUILT CITY, a landmark exhibition running from 5th October – 27th November 2026.
This high-profile cultural exhibition set within one of the UK’s most prestigious cultural institutions explores the extraordinary moment in the early 18th century when modern insurance, global trade and central banking emerged in the City of London, reshaping the world and laying the foundations of today’s financial and insurance sectors.
A Reimagined City, brought to life by mr.creative studio, in collaboration with Artist Alice Pattullo.
The Insurance Museum is proud to be working with exhibition designers mr.creative studio and acclaimed illustrator and printmaker Alice Pattullo, whose distinctive style will create a dramatic visual world that will house the exhibition’s immersive design. The exhibition will include:
● A large-scale street scene depicting London around 1700
● A richly detailed interior reconstruction of Edward Lloyd’s Coffee House, the birthplace of the global marine insurance market
● Dummy Boards highlighting some of the people found in and around the City of London at that time
● Immersive design stretching over 80sqm The exhibition will evoke the texture, colour and atmosphere of the early financial city, inviting visitors to step directly into the world of merchants, underwriters and investors who shaped modern commerce.
Why This Matters Today
Insurance has always been a force for protection, progress and resilience. This exhibition places that story at the centre of London’s economic history, connecting early financial innovation to the challenges and responsibilities of the modern insurance profession.
For today’s sector, the exhibition offers:
● A compelling public narrative about the social value and longevity of insurance
● A platform to engage new and diverse audiences
● A credible, independent cultural setting that enhances trust and reputation Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The City of London’s Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund, the project underscores its national significance, educational impact and public value.
MORE INFO
The Insurance Museum is a registered charity (No.1188138) dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, purpose and future of insurance. “IM” and “Insurance Museum” are brand names used by the Insurance Museum Charity. http://www.insurance.museum https://www.insurance.museum.uk
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