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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

Maidstone Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy exhibits

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gabled manor housing vast collections of art, natural history, and human history, with free entry to most exhibits.
"An amazing free experience with great volunteers and so much to see!"

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

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

The Oldham Gallery
Step into Maidstone's story from Tudor times to today, featuring historical objects and the 'Maid on the Stone' seal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Special Exhibitions Extra
Family-Friendly Fun Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
With extensive collections, you could easily spend 3+ hours exploring everything.
🚗 Parking Information
Check local parking options near the museum; street parking can be limited.
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.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Interactive Fun
Engage little ones with interactive displays, touch screens, and dedicated children's areas.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
With extensive collections, you could easily spend 3+ hours exploring everything.
🚗 Parking Information
Check local parking options near the museum; street parking can be limited.
📚 Literary Events
Keep an eye out for author events and workshops, especially for children.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Absolutely! The museum is highly praised for being kid-friendly, with many interactive exhibits, touch screens, and dedicated areas like the dinosaur section.
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.
Yes, the museum features numerous interactive elements, including computerised sections with speakers and touch screens, making the learning experience engaging for all ages.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🏛️ History Buffs
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.
🎨 Art Lovers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Maidstone's History
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.
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.
A World of Art and Natural Wonders
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.
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.
Family Fun and Interactive Learning
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.
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.
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