Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery

Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery

The Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery covers the history of Royal Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. The museum was founded by Dr George Abott of the local Literary and Scientific Society in 1885. The original home of the museum was the lobby of the Society's headquarters on the Pantiles.

The Borough Council took over the Society's collections in 1891. In 1954 the museum moved to its current location in the new civic Library and Museum building. The museum has wide-ranging collections including dolls, toys, and games that will be of interest to younger visitors.

What to See

The museum boasts the world's largest collection of Tunbridge Ware, a distinctive style of intricate wooden marquetry spanning over 300 years from 1600 to the 1920s. The natural history collection has over 28,000 artefacts, including geology, fossils (don't miss the dinosaur footprint!), shells, and animals.

There are also large collections of clothing and textiles dating to the 18th century, as well as coins, archaeology, fine art, and extensive displays of local history. There is also a regular educational programme for schools and ongoing special exhibits.