London Underground Celebrates 150th Anniversary

London Underground, 150th anniversary“Mind the gap,” the phrase associated with the London Underground, is now famous around the world. Did you know it made its first passenger journey—under the city streets from Paddington to Farringdon—on January 9, 1863? In doing so, it became the world’s first underground train. Now an iconic institution, The Tube will mark its 150th anniversary in 2013. Needless to say, Transport of London is pulling out the stops to celebrate this big birthday. There’s an exclusive new collection of gifts and souveniers inspired by the London Underground archive (think cufflinks, ceramics, glassware, and limited edition prints).

And here’s a sampling of exhibits and activities: steam train runs made by the Metropolitan Railway Steam Locomotive No. 1; heritage train outings with the Metropolitan Railway Jubilee Carriage No. 353, Sarah Siddons and the Chesham set; a series of lectures by the authors of the 150th anniversary official book, Underground, How the Tube shaped London; "Poster Art 150: London Underground’s Greatest Designs," an exhibition of the very best poster art; and Behind the Scenes events and Open Weekends at the Museum’s store at Acton. For more information, visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk (London Transport Museum).