Baden-Powell House, built in the early 1960s in South Kensington, London, was conceived as a living memorial to the founder of Scouting. Officially opened in 1961 by Queen Elizabeth II, the modernist six-storey building provided affordable accommodation for Scouts and Guides visiting the capital, while also housing a museum and exhibition celebrating Scouting’s history.
For several decades, it served as the headquarters of The Scout Association and a centre for training, events, and administration. Beyond its practical function, Baden-Powell House symbolised the enduring legacy of Scouting, combining service, education, and community under one roof.
July 1961
National Scouting Timeline