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Welcome back...we've missed you!
Spring is here and after years of hibernation, Maidstone Museums’ newsletter is officially back! Online, dusted off and bursting with stories to share. What better way to celebrate than with our new shiny newsletter and then a trip to see us in person!
Inside this email, you’ll find a little bit of everything: fresh updates, sneak peaks behind the scenes and early notice of the fantastic events we’ve got lined up. Think of it as your 'All Access Pass' to what's happening in and around the museum.
We’ll also be introducing you to the wonderful people who work here, along with uncovering stories from our iconic heritage hub, right in the heart of Maidstone town centre.
Expect plenty of intriguing glimpses into the rich history of Kent’s County Town along the way.
So, welcome, and lets get started!
Natalie,
Maidstone Museums and Heritage Manager
Thank you for supporting Maidstone Museums
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'Young Artist of the Year' kicks off exhibition season
Exhibition season has started strong with our Young Artist of the Year, running until 20 June 2026.
This year’s exhibition has attracted a record-breaking number of entrants, which made the judges’ deliberations particularly challenging. The range of work submitted by young artists was exceptional, with a huge variety of pieces across multiple mediums, all focusing on the theme of 'Place'.
All entries will remain on display until 20 June, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the exhibition. Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in the Visitors’ Vote, where you can cast your ballot and help crown this year’s People’s Choice winner.
We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the artistic achievements of our young creatives.
A huge thank you to Cas Holmes, Head Judge, and The Arts Society Mid Kent and Maidstone Museums' Friends for their support in helping this exhibition come to life.
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Jubilee Celebration ~ Isabel Lacey (Winner of the Under-14s Category), with the awards judges
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Catedrala - Maya Danciu (Winner of the 14-25 Category)
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Recent Renovations
While the doors of the museum were closed for the winter season, there was no quiet moment behind the scenes. The building underwent a series of renovations designed to refresh the space, improve visitor experience, and ensure the museum was ready to reopen the doors this February.
The winter work focused on both practical improvements and long‑term enhancements. One of the most exciting updates was the construction of a brand‑new kitchen. This addition will allow the museum to host drinks receptions for special events and will become a valuable asset for corporate room hire packages, opening the door to a wider range of functions and community gatherings.
Across the museum, several spaces were repainted to brighten and refresh key rooms. The entrance hall also received special attention, with repairs and a fresh varnish to restore the warmth and character of the floors.
In the galleries, the improvements continued. The Costume Gallery was fitted with new carpets, enhancing both the look and feel of the space. Elsewhere, existing rooms were reconfigured to make better use of the building’s space, ensuring that every corner of the museum is being used to best serve our visitors.
These renovations mark an important step in preparing the museum for a busy and exciting year ahead!
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Museum granted £75,000 for the Museum Renewal Fund!
In October, the museum received a fantastic £75,000 Museum Renewal Fund grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, in partnership with Arts Council England. This funding will help the museum grow, adapt, and continue to serve the community for years to come.
One project we have been working on is Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō: A Japanese Journey, a new touring exhibition inspired by the historic Japanese route linking Edo (modern Tokyo) to Kyoto. Using the museum’s impressive Japanese collection, it promises to be a colourful, immersive look at life and travel in Edo-period Japan that will engage and entertain people across the country.
The grant will also fund a new online platform, making thousands of artefacts accessible worldwide. This is a big step in sharing Maidstone’s heritage far beyond Kent.
Additionally, extensive research is underway for a future touring exhibition on William Alexander, the Maidstone-born artist celebrated for his 18th-century depictions of China. The Fund is unlocking the opportunity to invest time and resource into highlighting William Alexander’s life and work.
Helen Grant MP for Maidstone and Malling recently visited the team to hear about the plans and how the the museum has become a dynamic heart of the community, that is welcoming and accessible to all, with more plans on the horizon.
The Museum team meeting Helen Grant MP, Cllr Stanley Forecast and Cllr Clive English, Deputy Leader of Maidstone Borough Council
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Woodblock print from the Touring Exhibition titled 'Kambara: Snow at Night'
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Collections Manager, Samantha Harris, showing our collection to Helen Grant
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New Community Board gathers to help shape museum renewal
In January, we were delighted to welcome the members of our new Community Board for their very first meeting. The group brings an impressive blend of insight, passion and experience, along with a genuine enthusiasm for the future of Maidstone Museum. Their perspectives will play a key role in helping to shape our direction over the coming months, helping ensure that the museum remains relevant, welcoming and reflective of the communities we serve.
This is an especially exciting moment to be joining the Board as we deliver the Museum Renewal Fund project. With significant improvements underway, and more activity planned for the year ahead, the Board’s input will help guide how we develop our spaces, programmes and community connections.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has stepped forward to be part of this new chapter and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have in 2026 and beyond.
(From left to right): Nicky, Jackie, Alice, Nike and Seb
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Carriage Museum opens for Spring!
This spring, we’re delighted to reopen the Carriage Museum from 18 April, welcoming visitors every Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 3pm. Step inside this hidden gem to explore our remarkable collection of historic carriages; from elegant Victorian coaches to everyday working vehicles that once travelled the streets of Kent.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, the Carriage Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain's past. Entry is completely free, so drop in and discover something new each weekend!
The Carriage Museum is also part of the Wheels of Time scheme, so make sure you add it to your list for your next visit!
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What's On at Maidstone Museum
~ including Easter half-term activities!
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A World of Wonder Exhibition with Loose Primary School
Until Saturday 25 April
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Make/Shift Exhibition with MidKent College
Until Saturday 27 June
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Stories and Rhymes
Join us on the first Wednesday of every month.
Next session: Wednesday 1 April
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Book & Clothes Swap
Saturday 4 April
Bring your books and clothes to swap with the community and discover something new.
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Walking Tour of Maidstone Town Centre
Saturday 4 April
Join Daren Russell from Step Into the Past for a guided talk of the town centre.
10am-12pm.
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Easter 'Make It!' Crafts
Take part in Egyptian-themed crafts from
7-9 April and transport-themed crafts from 14-16 April.
Sessions available throughout the day and suitable for children aged 7-11.
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Easter SEND Family Friday Craft
Friday 10 & 17 April
Egyptian-themed craft activities for families with children with SEND and their siblings.
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Neon Light Workshop
Thursday 9 April
Let your creativity run wild at this unique workshop.
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Local History Fair
Saturday 11 April
Step into Maidstone’s past and meet the passionate local history societies preserving our heritage. Try out free activities at selected stalls!
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The Lady Carriage Liners of Ashford
Thursday 16 April
Join a talk from Ann Austin to hear about the fascinating history of the role of women in the railway industry in Kent.
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Manga Workshop
Thursday 16 April
Looking to learn a new skill in 2026? Test out your drawing skills with a Manga workshop, led by Lana Arkhi, winner of the People’s Choice Award in 2018.
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1920s Cocktail Making Workshop
Saturday 2 May
Step back in time for a glamorous evening of cocktail crafting inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
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Hiroshige on the Tōkaidō: Woodblock Prints in Japan
Thursday 14 May
Join Nigel Caple, a British artist, as he details Hiroshige’s woodblock prints on the Tōkaidō Way.
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Carriage Museum Tour
Sat 30 May & Sat 26 Sept
Join us for a walk through a different era with a private tour of our Carriage Museum with expert Amy Bracey from the
Carriage Foundation.
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Become a Friend of Maidstone Museums!
Love your local museum? You can make an even bigger difference by becoming a Friend of Maidstone Museums. The Friends are a welcoming group of people who care about preserving our heritage, supporting exhibitions, and helping our collections continue to inspire future generations.
As a Friend, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including monthly talks, exhibition previews, behind‑the‑scenes insights, special events, and updates from the museum team. Most importantly, you’ll be part of a community that plays a real role in supporting Maidstone’s cultural life.
If you’d like to get involved, it’s easy to join!
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Had a great visit? Leave us a review! |
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Our Opening Times
Term Time:
Wednesday to Saturday
10am to 4pm (3:30pm last entry)
School holidays:
Monday to Saturday
10am to 4pm (3:30pm last entry)
Carriage Museum*
Saturday & Sunday
11am to 3pm
From 18 April to 27 September
*Please call 01622 602838 in advance to check opening times for the Carriage Museum
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