Maidstone Museum
Maidstone, Mid Kent
Image: Maidstone MuseumMaidstone Museum is a free town-centre museum with a collection of more than 600,000 objects spanning archaeology, art and natural history. Galleries range from Ancient Egypt to Victorian Maidstone, and there is a regular programme of exhibitions, workshops and family events. It is an easy free rainy-day option next to the town's shops.
Highlights
- Collections from Ancient Egypt to Victorian Maidstone
- Art, archaeology and natural history
- Changing exhibitions
- Family events and children's parties
- Museum shop
Good to know
- Closed Sunday to Tuesday
- Toilets and baby changing on site
Getting there
Maidstone Museum, St Faith's Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1LHParking: Paid parking nearby.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against museum.maidstone.gov.uk, museum.maidstone.gov.uk. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
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What's on at Maidstone Museum
Image: Maidstone MuseumPhilosophies in Action – Exhibition
Philosophies in Action is a free exhibition at Maidstone Museum, created in partnership with North Kent College. It shows sculptural figures made by first-year Level 3 students, each representing a personal philosophy, drawing on Dadaist influences and a mix of historical and contemporary imagery. It suits anyone interested in art and ideas, and runs until 20 December 2026.
Image: Maidstone MuseumStories & Rhymes
Stories and rhymes is a 45-minute session for young children held at Maidstone Museum on 4 November 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. It suits toddlers and their families, and booking is recommended. Full details are on the museum's event page.
Image: Maidstone MuseumDungeons and Dragons taster session at Maidstone Museum
A free, beginner-friendly introduction to Dungeons and Dragons at Maidstone Museum. Drop in to try the storytelling role-playing game with people who know how to play.
Image: Maidstone MuseumRock ‘n’ Roll: 50s Band & Bash
A 1950s rock 'n' roll evening with a live band at Maidstone Museum on 7 November 2026, running from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Booking is recommended. It suits couples, groups and anyone who enjoys music from the era.
Image: Maidstone MuseumFrom Edo to Kyoto: A 19th-Century Journey Through Japan's Tōkaidō Way
A display of the complete set of 55 Hiroshige ukiyo-e woodblock prints from 1832, tracing the 319 mile Tōkaidō Way from Edo to Kyoto. The prints show the people, buildings, daily life and landscapes along the route. It is held at Maidstone Museum and suits families and anyone interested in Japanese art and history.
Image: Maidstone MuseumHiroshige’s Tokaido: A Japanese Journey
A workshop exploring Hiroshige's Tokaido prints at Maidstone Museum on 14 November 2026, running all day. It suits anyone interested in Japanese art and history, including families, couples and friends. Booking is recommended.
More things to do in Maidstone
Nearby
Image: The Hazlitt TheatreThe Hazlitt Theatre
The Hazlitt is Maidstone's town-centre theatre, run by Parkwood Theatres, with a programme spanning drama, music, comedy, dance, family shows and film. Its annual pantomime is a fixture of the Maidstone Christmas season. It is a handy evening out alongside the town's restaurants.
Photo: Clem Rutter, Rochester Kent, CC BY-SA 3.0Whatman Park
Whatman Park is an 18 acre riverside park half a mile from Maidstone town centre, part of the Millennium River Park along the Medway. Children can let off steam in the adventure play area, toddler play area and skate park, while a raised boardwalk winds through the trees and wildflower meadows. It is a handy free stop for an hour or two, especially with younger children.
Image: Prison Island MaidstonePrison Island Maidstone
Prison Island Maidstone is an indoor entertainment venue where teams of 2 to 4 take on 23 challenge cells that test logic, skill, memory, balance and teamwork. Under the same roof you will also find Prison Putt adventure golf, AR Darts and shuffleboards. It suits families, friends and work groups, with Prison Island sessions of 60, 90 or 120 minutes.