Families of Grenfell fire victims seek permanent exhibition

The families of victims of the Grenfell fire are calling for a permanent museum or public exhibition to honour those who lost their lives.

A report released by the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission earlier this week proposed a long-term museum or exhibition housed in an existing museum to make sure future generations can learn about and remember the tragedy.

The report, which is the second of its kind and the result of four years of consultation with bereaved families, survivors and residents who live close to Grenfell Tower, also called for a memorial that features art, water and display a mix of faiths and cultural backgrounds that make up the Grenfell community.

It said the memorial should be located at an alternative but easily accessible site, or sites, in London, to avoid the scene becoming a tourist destination.

It also suggested a separate private archive to house community tributes that are becoming “vulnerable to the elements”. 

“There is an urgent need to create a permanent and fitting space for the Grenfell community to remember, to mourn and to reflect upon their experiences,” Thelma Stober and Lord Paul Boateng, co-Chairs of the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, said.

Timings for the development of a memorial will be dependent on the government’s decision on the future of Grenfell Tower, but the memorial commission is hopeful construction could begin from late 2026.

Families of the victims have also requested a garden and built structure be incorporated into a permanent memorial at the site of the fire.

The fire in west London killed 72 people on 14 June 2017.