The museum is based in the former station building at North Woolwich, and has concentrated on the history of the Great Eastern Railway since 1984.

British Rail closed the building (which was very delapidated) in 1979, and replaced it with a smaller, modern structure alongside. But five years later, after restoration, it was reopened by HM Queen Mother as the Old Station Museum, run by the London Borough of Newham and containing a collection dedicated to the history of the Great Eastern Railway.

Although the railway is currently closed, the museum is open during the winter on Saturdays and Sundays (1300-1700h).