Maidstone Museums

Type:Museum

St Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LH

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Samurai armour at Maidstone Museum

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About

Maidstone Museum is an exceptional regional museum housed in the gorgeous Chillington Manor, an Elizabethan manor house. Come and discover the hidden gems in the collections, which boast a rich and impressive variety of historical objects, fine art and natural history. It is home to internationally significant collections, especially Ethnography, Japanese Decorative Arts, Ancient Egypt, Archaeology and Costume. Don't miss the 2,700 year old Egyptian mummy (the only adult mummy in Kent), The Lady of the House, Ta-Kush. The Museum also has woodblock prints by famous Edo period woodblock print masters. These include Hokusai's ‘Great Wave off Kanagawa’ and ‘Red Fuji'.

Established in 1858, Maidstone Museum houses over 660,000 artefacts and specimens. It first opened as the Charles Museum, following the bequest of Dr Thomas Charles of Maidstone who left his library, art collection and antiques to the town.

There are lots of galleries to explore in the oldest part of the building and children love the roar of the dinosaur in the Earth Heritage Gallery. Maidstone Museum is very interactive and a fun experience for children, travelling back in time to explore the myths and legends behind the museum’s collections, have a go at digging fossils or try on some costumes on your way round!

The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regimental Museum is an independent museum that has been housed within Maidstone Museum since 1960. It tells the story of this famous local regiment and is packed with fascinating, colourful and thought-provoking exhibits.
 

Exhibitions


Throughout the year there is a great schedule of special events and temporary exhibitions so you are sure to find something going on no matter when you visit. Maidstone Museum attracts many of the country’s best touring exhibitions, providing you with the chance to explore magnificent works of art and fascinating objects. Collaborations with, amongst others, the V&A, the British Museum, and the Cartoon Museum have provided special exhibitions, and the Museum also works closely with many other special exhibition creators to bring you some very unique and unusual displays.

 

Museum Lates

 

On the last Thursday of every month at Museum Lates you can experience the museum after dark and get involved in some great interactive activities. There are also many great tours of the building and the collections which run every month.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
ChildFree
ConcessionFree
FamilyFree
Admisson FreeFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Events

Wednesday, 12th February 2025 - Saturday, 10th May 2025

Japanese painting of a man looking out onto a lakeJapan: A Floating World in PrintA captivating display of Ukiyo-e prints from the Edo and Meiji print masters. The prints encompass the genres of beautiful women and dramatic landscapes. Well known print artists Utamaro, Hokusai and Hiroshige are all represented.
more info

Friday, 21st February 2025 - Friday, 21st February 2025

Children doing crafts at Maidstone MuseumSEND Family CraftsOur SEND Family Friday crafts are back for the February half term
more info

Thursday, 27th February 2025 - Thursday, 27th February 2025

Pirate shipA History of Pirates with Kent Archaeological SocietyJoin us for a welcome drink and an hour or so immersed in a discussion on Piracy in 16th and 17th century Britain through the exploits of Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, led by Kent Archaeological Society.
more info

Saturday, 1st March 2025 - Saturday, 1st March 2025

Japanese textilesJapanese Textile WorkshopBe inspired by our Japanese Exhibition and join award-winning Anne Kelly in creating a fabric Japanese Postcard. This workshop will showcase key sewing techniques
more info

Saturday, 8th March 2025 - Saturday, 8th March 2025

Margot Robbie as Barbie with Barbie iconography scattered around her, She's wearing a bright pink waist coast and trousers, and a cowboy hat. Movie Night: BarbieExperience the magic of the Barbie movie for International Women's Day at Maidstone Museum. Dress up encouraged!
more info

Friday, 14th March 2025 - Friday, 14th March 2025

Paul Mescal dressed as a Roman Gladiator, kneeling in the Colosseum arena. Movie Night: GladiatorMissed the cinema showings? Don't worry, we got you covered! Watch the latest Gladiator movie at Maidstone Museum.
more info

Friday, 14th March 2025 - Friday, 14th March 2025

Goddess Minerva laying in a red robe and wearing a helmet. She's got a wreath in one hand and a torch in another. Romans TalkHear the story of Roman Kent and its wider importance in Roman Britain through the spectacular artefacts of the show.
more info

Friday, 28th March 2025 - Friday, 28th March 2025

90s quiz90s Quiz NightLet's take it back to the 90s with our 90s themed quiz. From music to art, politics and culture, they'll be a section for everyone.
more info

Saturday, 29th March 2025 - Saturday, 29th March 2025

Pot of tea and foodMothers Day at the Museum: Tea & SconesLooking for something different this Mother's Day? Join us on the Saturday for tea, bubbly and scones!
more info

Saturday, 5th April 2025 - Saturday, 5th April 2025

The silhouette of people dancing in a club. There are red lights giving the room a dark red hue. In the corner are two polaroid pictures, with images 80s DiscoBack due to popular demand after a sold out venue in November, we'll be bringing more 80s music than ever before!
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Friday, 11th April 2025 - Friday, 11th April 2025

board gameBoard Games NightPut your skills to the test and join us for a Games Night. All board games with be provided by Thames & Kosmos – you might even find your new favourite game!
more info

Saturday, 12th April 2025 - Saturday, 12th April 2025

A medieval market, outdoors, with red bunting hanging across buildings, and vendors interacting with the public. There are cobbled stones on the walkwLocal History FairAfter a walk around the Medieval Fair in Brenchley Gardens, meet Kent's local history societies, from archaeology to geology, family history and metal detecting, you'll be sure to learn more about Maidstone' history
more info

Saturday, 12th April 2025 - Saturday, 12th April 2025

A drawing of people, a heart, plaster, clouds against a green background. The Shop of Old Curiosities: Improv by No Name NomadsAn improvised show of mysterious artifacts and unique treasures. Explore a collection of antiques, oddities, and relics: that's just the actors!
more info

Thursday, 17th April 2025 - Thursday, 17th April 2025

A birds eye view of someone drawing in the style of manga. Manga WorkshopLooking to learn a new skill in 2025? Test out your drawing skills with a Manga workshop, led by the award-winning Lana Arkhi. She won the People's Choice Award in 2018. There will be two sessions, one aimed at young people and families, and young aimed at 17+.
more info

Saturday, 26th April 2025 - Saturday, 26th April 2025

An image of the Observatory Tower from corrugated windows. Observatory TourThe Victorian housekeeper will guide you up the stairs to the Observatory, only open once a year! Please note this tour consists of 42 steps each way, and is very narrow and winding.
more info

Wednesday, 30th April 2025 - Wednesday, 30th April 2025

Two people sat on a wooden table, with two glasses on red wine.Anti-Dating App Happy HourJoin us for an after-work social to meet new people, do something new and mingle at our beautiful museum.
more info

Saturday, 3rd May 2025 - Saturday, 3rd May 2025

Graphic of a young boy looking at a heron. The heron is in the water, the boy is standing on a rock.Movie Night: The Boy & The HeronDive into Japanese cinematography with a classic Studio Ghibli movie
more info

Saturday, 17th May 2025 - Saturday, 17th May 2025

Carriage Museum TourWalk through a different era with a private tour of our Carriage Museum with expert Amy Bracey from the Carriage Foundation.
more info

Saturday, 17th May 2025 - Saturday, 17th May 2025

a purple concert background Eurovision Song Contest: Live ShowingWatch the Eurovision on the big screen in our gorgeous historical library. Dress up as a flag encouraged!
more info

Saturday, 17th May 2025 - Saturday, 17th May 2025

A purple background with confettiEurovision Song Contest: QuizThink you've got what it takes? Tune your ears and test your Eurovision knowledge with our Eurovision Quiz the night before the 2025 live showing!
more info

Friday, 30th May 2025 - Friday, 30th May 2025

mage of Maidstone Museum. You can see the glass corner where the welcome shop is, and the extension called the East WingLocal Businesses: Open DayFind out more from local Maidstone businesses’ and charities about services available to you.
more info

Saturday, 21st June 2025 - Saturday, 21st June 2025

An image from the movie of Florence Pugh, a blonde, short woman, wearing a floral dress and head piece. In the background there are gardens,Movie Night: MidsommerJoin us in celebrating Midsummer with the award-winning movie starring Florence Pugh
more info

Facilities

Other

  • All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Family Fun
  • Groups Accepted
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - Advance booking required
  • On-Site café/restaurant
  • Partial Disabled
  • Ramp / Level Access
  • Wet Weather

Accessibility

  • Disabled facilities (please call for details)

Provider Preferences

  • In town/city centre

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      161
    • Very Good
      92
    • Average
      26
    • Poor
      4
    • Terrible
      5

    Recent Reviews:

    • daniely340
      Maidstone, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Amazing place with lots to see and do
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 7th March 2024
      What an amazing place with so much to look at and do. We visited today on a school trip with 6-7 year olds. The kids had so much fun exploring all the different rooms and artefacts. Set over... Read full review
    • Sarah W
      Great venue
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 8th March 2024
      We visited with a group of SEN students some of whom are wheelchair users, the museum has recently had a new stair lift fitted that enables disabled visitors to access the basement level of the... Read full review
    • marksN555ZB
      Kent, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Great
      5 of 5 stars
      Monday, 26th August 2024
      Fantastic place. A wealth of global and local history to see and learn about. Very well laid out and lots of child friendly information to guide you. Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Public Transport Directions

     

    Opening Times

    2025 Opening (7 Feb 2025 - 22 Dec 2025)
    Bank HolidayClosed

    * Open Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 (Last entry 3:30) Closed Sunday - Tuesday

    School Holidays
    Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:00

    Closed Bank Holidays

    Closed Sunday 22 December 2024- February 2025
    Check website for full opening information

    Awards

    • Visit BritainWe're Good to Go We're Good to Go 2020
    • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

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