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Latest exhibitions

Discover Canterbury's history, from millions of years ago to the present, explored through interactive displays in an amazing medieval building. Includes Anglo-Saxon treasures, Oliver Postgate's Thomas Becket story, the Tudors, Joseph Conrad's study, the Blitx gallery, Stephenson's original Invicta railway engine, Rupert Bear and the real Bagpuss.

Around the museum are over 30 exciting hands-on activities for families - you can write your name in Viking runes, sniff medieval poo, investigate finds like an archaeologist, try on Elizabethan costume and listen to wartie memories.

Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin created their much loved children's programmes just outside Canterbury. See the real Bagpuss in Emily's shop window, original Clangers, Ivor the Engine and Noggin the Nog. And discover some Bagpuss secrets!

Rupert Bear was created by Canterbury-born Mary Tourtel. Discover his fascinating story, join in his adventures, see inside his house, and enjoy lots of fun and activities including a giant snakes and ladders game.


Built in 1373, the museum was originally a medieval hospital for porr, sick and retired preists. Explore this magnificent timber-framed building to discover fascinating stories of former uses from medieval hospital, to workhouse and World War Two amublance station, and marvel at its magnificent crown post roofs blackened by centuries of smoke.

Spend some quiet time relaxing or picnicking in the medieval herb garden.

Free digiguide tour available. See and listen to animated stories about famous Canterbury characters, key artefacts and aspects of the building's history on the museum's hand-help computer guide. A highlights tour in English, French, German and Japanese.

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