Bentlif Bearted Gallery (copyright Hufton & Crow)
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Maidstone Museum

4.6
·521 reviews·, United Kingdom

A gabled manor housing vast collections of art, natural history, and human history, with free entry to most exhibits.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed-Sat mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

CrowdLow
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Bentlif Bearted Gallery (copyright Hufton & Crow)

Maidstone Museum

Best Time

Wed-Sat mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A gabled manor housing vast collections of art, natural history, and human history, with free entry to most exhibits.

4.6
(521 reviews)

"An amazing free experience with great volunteers and so much to see!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry for Most Exhibits

Enjoy the vast majority of the museum's collections without charge! Special exhibitions may have a fee.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Interactive Fun

Engage little ones with interactive displays, touch screens, and dedicated children's areas.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Egypt Collection

Ancient Egypt Collection

Discover mummies and artifacts from ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into a fascinating civilization.

Instagram+1
Dinosaur and Fossil Displays

Dinosaur and Fossil Displays

Explore impressive dinosaur bones and fossils, including rare species of birds, sharks, and turtles.

InstagramReddit
Japanese Art and Culture

Japanese Art and Culture

Marvel at one of the UK's largest collections of Japanese art and artifacts, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.

Reddit
The Oldham Gallery

The Oldham Gallery

Step into Maidstone's story from Tudor times to today, featuring historical objects and the 'Maid on the Stone' seal.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, Special Exhibitions Extra

Most of Maidstone Museum is free to explore, but special exhibitions like the Titanic one have a separate charge. Plan your budget accordingly to enjoy all the museum offers. InstagramReddit

Family-Friendly Fun Awaits

This museum is a hit with families, featuring interactive exhibits, dinosaurs, and ancient Egypt. It's designed with kids in mind, making it a perfect day out for all ages. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Wed-Sat mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits
Crowd
Low
When
School holidays
Why
Family fun, interactive crafts
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Maid in heaven. 🤩 🎥@Emirates FA Cup #facup #maidstoneunited #Soccer #football #celebration
@cbssportsgolazo
308.6K likes • 3.4M views

🎯 Free Entry for Most Exhibits

Enjoy the vast majority of the museum's collections without charge! Special exhibitions may have a fee. Instagram+1

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Interactive Fun

Engage little ones with interactive displays, touch screens, and dedicated children's areas. Instagram+2

Day in the life of a proffesional footballer: playoff eliminator edition #matchday #dayinthelife #footballer #maidstoneunited #nationalleague #athlete #playoffs
@solws9
133.8K likes • 1.1M views
Maidstone Museum is back open! ✨ Explore the wonderful new galleries and enjoy family fun this half-term. Currently open Wednesday to Saturday every week – book your tickets now! 🤩⁠ ⁠ #OneMaidstoneBID #MaidstoneMuseum #Maidstone #VisitMaidstone #KentMuseums #HalfTerm #FamilyFun #ThingsToDoInKent #MuseumLife #History #BookNow
onemaidstone
31 likes • 766 views

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

With extensive collections, you could easily spend 3+ hours exploring everything. Reddit

🚗 Parking Information

Check local parking options near the museum; street parking can be limited. TikTok

The Carriage Museum is open for two more Saturdays - 11am-3pm! Make sure you don't miss it! See you there... #MaidstoneMuseum #CarraigeMuseum #Maidstone #History
maidstonemuseum
19 likes • 452 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry for Most Exhibits

Enjoy the vast majority of the museum's collections without charge! Special exhibitions may have a fee. Instagram+1

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Interactive Fun

Engage little ones with interactive displays, touch screens, and dedicated children's areas. Instagram+2

⏳ Allow Plenty of Time

With extensive collections, you could easily spend 3+ hours exploring everything. Reddit

🚗 Parking Information

Check local parking options near the museum; street parking can be limited. TikTok

📚 Literary Events

Keep an eye out for author events and workshops, especially for children. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(521 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Maidstone Museum is widely praised for its extensive and diverse free collections, particularly its impressive dinosaur fossils and significant Japanese art. Visitors appreciate the interactive elements that make it a hit with families. However, some guests have reported negative experiences with customer service when inquiring about potential discounts.

"Nice free museum with some interactive tasks for children and separate dinosaurs area. Anglo-Saxon treasures, dinosaur bones, Japanese art, Victorian fashion, global explorer finds, military medals, taxidermy displays, paintings and sculptures."

Il y a D

"- FREE ENTRY (besides the Titanic part)
- I definitely recommend the fossil section as there is some excellent specimens of dinosaurs
- one to keep an eye out for is the London clay exibxit which shows some rare species of bird, fish, shark and turtle."

Evan Veitch

"Absolutely amazing collection of items! I spent 3 hours here looking at everything and could have spent longer if it didnt take me up to close! The current titanic exhibition is so interesting! Amazing free experience, great volunteers and so much to see!"

Alice Wy

What People Like

Free general admission
Impressive dinosaur fossils
Extensive Japanese art

What People Dislike

Inconsistent customer service

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maidstone Museum is located at St Faith's Street, Maidstone ME14 1LH. It's accessible by public transport, with local buses serving the town centre. If driving, be aware that parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity, so check local car park options. TikTokInstagram

While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public car parks are available in Maidstone town centre, a short walk away. It's advisable to research these in advance. TikTok

Maidstone has several train stations, including Maidstone East, Maidstone West, and Maidstone Barracks. From any of these stations, you can take a local bus or a taxi to reach the museum. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, general admission to Maidstone Museum is free! However, special exhibitions, such as the popular Titanic exhibition, may require a separate ticket purchase. InstagramReddit+1

The museum is typically open Wednesday to Saturday. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially around holidays. Instagram

For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required due to free admission. However, for special exhibitions or popular events, it's recommended to book tickets online to secure your spot. Instagram

While general entry is free, it's worth inquiring at the desk about potential discounts for special exhibitions. Some visitors have noted that asking about pensioner discounts can sometimes be met with unhelpful responses, so approach with politeness. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the extensive Ancient Egypt collection, impressive dinosaur fossils, and the significant Japanese art displays. The Oldham Gallery, detailing Maidstone's history, is also a highlight. InstagramReddit+2

Absolutely! The museum is highly praised for being kid-friendly, with many interactive exhibits, touch screens, and dedicated areas like the dinosaur section. Instagram+2

Many visitors find they can spend 3 hours or more exploring the diverse collections. If you're particularly interested in specific areas like the Japanese art or fossils, you might want to allocate even more time. Reddit

Yes, the museum features numerous interactive elements, including computerised sections with speakers and touch screens, making the learning experience engaging for all ages. Instagram

The Carriage Museum is a specific part of Maidstone Museum that showcases historical carriages. It's often open on select Saturdays, so check the museum's schedule to ensure you don't miss it. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not appear to have an on-site cafe. However, Maidstone town centre offers a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs for dining options. TikTok

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or outside the museum galleries to preserve the exhibits. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas of Maidstone Museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions in certain galleries or during special exhibitions. Instagram

The diverse collections, from ancient artifacts to dinosaur skeletons and the 'Maid on the Stone' seal, offer unique photographic opportunities. The architecture of the gabled manor house itself is also quite picturesque. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maidstone Museum is a top choice for families, offering a wealth of interactive exhibits and engaging displays that cater specifically to children. From dinosaur bones and ancient Egyptian artifacts to hands-on activities and touch screens, there's plenty to keep young minds entertained. Instagram+2 The museum's layout is also considered ideal for families, making it easy to navigate with strollers and manage little ones. Instagram

With free general admission, it's an excellent budget-friendly option for a day out. Consider checking for family-focused events or craft workshops that are often held during school holidays to enhance the experience. Instagram+1

🏛️ History Buffs

For those with a passion for history, Maidstone Museum presents a rich and diverse collection. Explore the Oldham Gallery for a deep dive into Maidstone's local history, from Tudor times to the present, featuring the intriguing 'Maid on the Stone' seal. Instagram The museum also houses significant Anglo-Saxon treasures and military artifacts, offering insights into different historical periods. Reddit

Don't miss the internationally renowned Japanese art collection, one of the largest in the UK, which provides a unique cultural perspective. The museum's extensive displays of Victorian fashion and global explorer finds further add to its historical depth. Reddit

🎨 Art Lovers

Art enthusiasts will find a curated selection of works at Maidstone Museum. The fine art collection includes paintings and sculptures, with opportunities to see artworks by various artists, including some potentially from local fibre artists. Instagram The museum also hosts art-related events, such as life drawing workshops, offering a chance to engage creatively within the museum's inspiring setting. Instagram

Beyond traditional art, the Japanese art collection offers a distinct aesthetic experience, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and cultural narratives. The museum's diverse exhibits provide a broad artistic journey, from classical to contemporary expressions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Maidstone's History

Maidstone Museum is housed in a beautiful gabled manor house, offering a rich tapestry of local and international history. The Oldham Gallery is a recent addition that delves into the town's narrative from the Tudor era to the present day. It features more objects on display than ever before, including the significant 'Maid on the Stone' seal dating back to 1567. This gallery provides a fantastic opportunity to understand Maidstone's evolution and its place in history. Instagram

Beyond the local focus, the museum boasts internationally important collections. Visitors can explore Anglo-Saxon treasures, military medals, and displays of Victorian fashion. These diverse exhibits showcase the breadth of human history and culture, making the museum a comprehensive learning experience. Reddit

The museum's commitment to showcasing history is evident in its presentation. With interactive elements and well-organized displays, it makes history accessible and engaging for all ages. Whether you're interested in ancient civilizations or local heritage, Maidstone Museum offers a compelling journey through time. Instagram

A World of Art and Natural Wonders

Maidstone Museum is a treasure trove for art and natural history enthusiasts. Its fine art collection includes paintings and sculptures, with some artworks even featured by local artists. Instagram The natural history section is particularly impressive, featuring a vast array of dinosaur bones and fossils. Visitors rave about the excellent specimens, including rare finds from the London Clay exhibit, showcasing ancient birds, sharks, and turtles. Reddit

One of the museum's standout collections is its Japanese art. Maidstone Museum holds one of the largest collections of Japanese artifacts in the country, offering a deep dive into the aesthetics and culture of Japan. This collection is a testament to the museum's global reach and the significance of its holdings. Reddit

From the intricate details of taxidermy displays to the grandeur of ancient artifacts, the museum provides a visually rich experience. The sheer diversity of items, from Old Masters to fossils, ensures there's something to captivate every visitor's interest. Reddit

Family Fun and Interactive Learning

Maidstone Museum is consistently praised as a highly kid-friendly destination. The museum's design actively incorporates interactive elements throughout its galleries, making it an engaging experience for children. Features like touch screens, computerised sections with speakers, and hands-on activities ensure that young visitors are not just passive observers but active participants in their learning journey. Instagram+2

The museum's commitment to family engagement is further highlighted by its dedicated dinosaur and fossil areas, which are a major draw for younger audiences. Additionally, the Ancient Egypt collection, complete with mummies, offers a fascinating and slightly spooky adventure for kids. The 'Wheels of Time' scheme also makes it a perfect starting point for exploring historical themes. Instagram

With free general admission, it's an accessible and affordable option for a family day out. The museum's manageable size also means that families can explore without feeling overwhelmed, making it a perfect outing for those with younger children who may have shorter attention spans. Instagram