A Celebration of Heritage, Community, and Culture

Aldgate Connect BID is excited to invite you to explore Stories of Aldgate, a free exhibition celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse community that make Aldgate such an iconic corner of London.

Running from June to August across Aldgate’s Vine Street, EC3, this free public exhibition invites visitors to explore the people, places, and history that have shaped Aldgate into the iconic corner of London that it is today.

The Stories of Aldgate Exhibition brings to life the voices of local residents, workers, students, businesses, and historic figures through a curated collection of photographs, personal stories, artworks, and interactive displays. It highlights Aldgate’s evolution from a historic gateway in the City of London to a thriving modern neighbourhood, known for its multicultural spirit and creative energy.

The exhibition will run from 1^st June to 31^st August 2025 and is free and open to all. Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition at their own pace and scan the QR codes under each storyteller to hear their stories. Guided walking tours, in partnership with the Migration Museum, will also be available throughout the summer. Find out more at aldgateconnect.london/stories.

We are grateful for the support of the City of London Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund for this project, you can find out more about the fund here. We would also like to thank Heard Storytelling, Migration Museum, London Metropolitan University, Blue Orchid Hospitality, and Urbanest for their insightful contributions to the project.

Zoe Barwick, BID Director at Aldgate Connect BID, said:
“‘Stories of Aldgate’ is more than an exhibition – it’s a tribute to the resilience, diversity, and creativity that makes up our wonderful community here in Aldgate. We are excited to share these stories with visitors, residents, workers and businesses, and encourage all to visit this fantastic space.

“It is fantastic to be the first City BID to be awarded CILNF funding, and we are grateful for City of London Corporation’s support for this project.

“This exhibition supports the Aldgate Connect Public Realm Vision & Strategy, our ambitious blueprint for placemaking in the area, by enlivening the space and encouraging the vital links between Tower and Aldgate. This marks the first step towards creating a meaningful, positive impact on the area of Vine Street.”

Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, Tom Sleigh, said:
“Great cities are shaped by the stories they tell – and the Aldgate Connect BID has brought those stories vividly to life. This exhibition is more than just a celebration of local voices; it’s a brilliant example of how investment in culture and the public realm can create places people want to belong to.

“As a supporter of bold, community-led placemaking, we’re proud to have backed this project through our Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund. It shows how cultural vitality and public realm improvements go hand-in-hand in creating a City that is open, inclusive and full of life.

“We want more communities to share their vision for their neighbourhood. The Fund is open to new ideas and I’d encourage local organisations to get in touch.”

For more details about the exhibition, upcoming walking tours, and other things to do in Vine Street, visit aldgateconnect.london/stories.

We look forward to welcoming you to Stories of Aldgate!