The Cathedral of Sewage
National Art Pass at Crossness Pumping Station
The Temple of Iron
Visitors know us as the Cathedral of Sewage, the Temple of Iron and the Palace of Poo. Sound intriguing? Crossness Pumping Station has one of the most dramatic Victorian interiors in the world, and yet its purpose is seemingly prosaic and, well, a little disgusting: pumping South London’s sewage.
‘Eww.’ But also, ‘Ahhh!’
As you look up through the polychromatic central Octagon, you will need to catch your breath. Standing there, you are surrounded by beautifully painted, ornate cast ironwork, with decorative botanical forms depicted all around you. Beyond this are four giant steam-powered beam engines, named after members of the Royal Family in 1865, because of course that’s what you do with your sewage pumps! But then this was built as the endpoint of Joseph Bazalgette’s huge civil engineering project: the London Main Drainage System, a turning point in the making of the modern city as we know it.
National Art Pass
Why not come for a guided tour, a special event or one of our Steaming Days and step back to a place which celebrated the things we take for granted today: a clean city with sewers taking our waste away.
Crossness is easy to reach by car or train; the nearest station, Abbey Wood, is on the Elizabeth line and it is close to the M25 for drivers.
If you hold a National Art Pass and have never been, why not come and see the Cathedral of Sewage for yourself? Now, Art Pass members get in for half price.
The ArtPass offer is valid when booking a public event or tour. Private tours and visits are not included.
How to book
- Pick a date and select the Art Pass ticket option.
- Bring your valid membership card on the day. We will ask to see it when you arrive.
