The museum was officially opened by local author and children's writer Michael Rosen on 15 October 2016 at a ceremony attended by hundreds of people in Pinner Memorial Park.

[1] The William Heath Robinson Trust ran a campaign to raise funds for the museum, which started in October 2013.

[2] The museum passed the first round of Heritage Lottery Funding in March 2012,[3] which led to its receiving a £1.1 million grant in December 2013.

[2] Developed with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund of £1.3m and substantial donations from local patrons, residents and businesses, the new museum features two galleries, a permanent display covering the career of W. Heath Robinson and his illustrations and artworks,[1] as well as a special exhibition gallery that hosts a programme of themed exhibitions that change every three months.

When Heath Robinson’s daughter Joan died, her husband wanted her collection of her father’s work to be kept in public ownership.