Useful Information
Entry to our Museum is Free!
Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 17.15
Sunday 11.00 - 16.00 (Closed on Sunday Nov - Mar)
Christmas and New Year: Closed 24th - 28th Dec 2011 and 1st and 2nd Jan 2012
Due to the nature of our historical buildings, physical access to Maidstone’s Museums is somewhat limited. We have implemented improvements advised by the V&A, and further improvements were made during the redevelopment of our West Wing, which now includes ramped access. Our East Wing Development will ensure greater access to our collections, buildings and improved facilities such as disabled toilets, so please stay in touch with our developments and always give us your feedback to help us improve access for you.
Virtual access to our collections is available through our collections web pages and audio tour podcasts. If you would like to view certain artefacts, an appointment can be made with any of our keepers who are happy to bring the objects out into an accessible area for you. Please use our Contact Us page to make an appointment.
Disabled Parking
We have disabled parking spaces at all our museums. At Maidstone Museum parking is at the rear of the building. Wheelchair users will need to journey through Brenchley Gardens, down a slight gradient to the ramped access at the front of the building. Prior booking is essential as the spaces are also used for deliveries. Please call 01622 602838 to arrange a suitable time to reserve your space. See our How to Find Us page for directions.
Visual Assistance
All assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. Please Contact Us if you require information in audio or Braille.
We have torches and magnifying sheets available to borrow at reception. A refundable deposit of £2 will be requested by reception staff.
Handling Objects
Our events include ‘Hands On Stations’ where you can handle artefacts and specimens from our collections, with staff and volunteers on hand to discuss the objects. Please Contact Us to find out when the next event is. If you are interested in viewing certain artefacts an appointment can be made with any of our keepers who are happy to bring the objects out into an accessible area for you. Please use our Contact Us page to make an appointment.
Hard of Hearing Groups
All assistance dogs are welcome in the Museum. Tours for groups and schools using their own interpreter can be booked through Fiona Woolley, Interpretation Manager. Tel 01622 602850 or email fionawoolley@maidstone.gov.uk
Wheelchair and Buggy Access
We have wheelchair and buggy access to the majority of the ground floor. Unfortunately there is currently no wheelchair access to the upper floor, toilets or baby changing facilities, the education room (Lower Court Lodge) or the activity room (the Chapel). Our new East Wing development, opening from November 2012, will provide access to a fully accessible education room and buggy store. A lift to the first floor will provide access to the temporary exhibition areas, art gallery and Japanese gallery. New disabled toilets and baby changing facilities will also be available on the upper floor. Currently the nearest disabled toilets are situated near to the ‘Suits You’ shop in Fremlin Walk or in Brenchley Gardens. Our Customer Service Advisors can direct you. Please download our Museum Floor maps to help plan your visit.
In summary wheelchair and buggy users have access to:
Ground Floor
Courtyard and Entrance Hall
Coffee and Gift Shops
Queens Own Royal West Kent Museum
Egyptian Mummy
Dressing Rooms and Costume
Local History Gallery (Southgate)
First Floor
Fine Art, Sculpture and Furniture (Opening November and December 2012)
Library (by appointment)
Japanese Collection (On first floor, opening March 2012)
Temporary Exhibitions (On first floor, opening November 2012)
We currently have space for 6 buggies in a secure room, and a further 6 may be stored in reception. Once the east wing opens there will be a new buggy store close to reception. We do request that you carry your valuables with you.
Scooters are too heavy for the wheelchair lift, sited between the Queens Own Royal West Kent Museum and the Sculpture displays in the Museum. A manual wheelchair is available for you to borrow during your visit. Please bring assistance with you and call us on 01622 602838 or email museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk to book our manual wheelchair.
Baby Changing
From November 2011 there will be baby changing facilities available in the disabled toilets on the ground and first floor. Until then, baby changing facilities are available in the ladies toilets. Our Stewards will temporarily close the toilets to ladies so that gentleman can change their babies.
Parent and Child Parking
The nearest parent and child parking is in the Chequers Centre car park. See our How to Find Us page for directions.
