Bloomberg donates £20 million and Roman artefacts to London Museum

In London, Bloomberg Philanthropies, a charitable organization associated with the global financial news company founded by Michael R. Bloomberg, has made a substantial donation of £20 million along with more than 14,000 Roman artefacts. This historic contribution marks the largest private donation ever received by the London Museum and is regarded as the most extensive archive of archaeological material given to the institution to date. The artefacts were unearthed during the construction of Bloomberg’s European headquarters in the City of London between the years 2012 and 2014. The museum anticipates showcasing these artefacts when it opens its new premises in Smithfield, scheduled for 2026. The significance of these artefacts cannot be overstated. Among the remarkable finds are Britain's earliest and largest collection of Roman writing tablets, which provide invaluable insights into the lives of ancient Londoners. They contain the earliest surviving references to the city and highlight the continuity of its historical narrative. These discoveries have been integral to understanding the social, cultural, and commercial dynamics of Roman London. The temple site to the Roman god Mithras, along with around 600 artefacts, has already been on public display at the London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE since 2017. Highlighting the importance of the donation, Sharon Ament, the director of the London Museum, emphasized that the artefacts establish a bridge between the past and future, creating a lasting legacy for the city. This gesture has received admiration, with Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan recognizing Bloomberg's role as a cultural advocate for London. He noted that the partnership between public and private sectors is vital for realizing ambitious plans for the capital's cultural landscape. In addition to this contribution, in a separate announcement made in September, Sir Sadiq Khan and the City of London Corporation revealed a commitment of £25 million to further support the museum beyond previous contributions. This financial backing is part of a broader effort to enhance the cultural and historical understanding of London and ensure that its rich heritage remains accessible to the public. Bloomberg Philanthropies is thus playing a significant role in the future of heritage preservation and presentation in London.