To see the world, just take a ride on the new East London Line to Forest Hill
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Your support makes all the difference.Who'd have thought the opening of the new East London Line last month would give birth to a new cultural organisation in the capital? Yet the savvy people behind CultureLine (cultureline.org.uk) were quick to see the benefits that the new rail extension could bring to a string of attractions along the route.
The new overground line, which provides a convenient corridor between Dalston in north-east London and West Croydon, south-east of the city, also offers a unique cultural treasure trail, joining 10 museums and galleries in a celebration of some of London's hidden cultural gems.
All 10 attractions are within walking distance of a station on the new line. So it is now possible to spend the morning admiring the period rooms in the Geffrye Museum in Shoreditch (nearest station, Hoxton), and the afternoon exploring the historical, archaeological and zoological artefacts of the Horniman Museum (Forest Hill). And the journey between the two now takes less than 30 minutes.
David Dewing, director of the Geffrye Museum, confirms that they are already feeling the benefit of the new link. "Hoxton station is right outside," he says, "and we are already noticing visitors using the service. We anticipate a significant increase in numbers coming to the museum."
Jane Vitmayer, chief executive of the Horniman Museum, agrees that the East London Line will bring an increased number of people through its doors. "The line has opened up the Horniman to new communities and we look forward to welcoming many new visitors, as Londoners as well as tourists hop on and off the 'CultureLine'."
Also on the route, passengers can take in Wesley's Chapel, the Royal London Hospital Museum, Whitechapel Gallery, the Women's Library and the Brunel Museum. And at each end of the line are the Hackney Museum and the Museum of Croydon.
Frederick Horniman wanted to bring the world to Forest Hill, CultureLine might just bring the world to his museum.
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