Rochester Guildhall Museum
Rochester Guildhall Museum
Rochester Guildhall Museum
Welcome to the Guildhall Museum, where you can discover the amazing history of the Medway area within one of the finest 17th century buildings in Kent.
The Rochester Guildhall was built in 1687 and incorporated a courtroom and council chamber, which later featured in Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. The museum was founded in 1897, in honour of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee. It was first set up in Eastgate House further along the High Street and was moved into the Guildhall in 1979.
Our collections tell the story of Medway from its Roman origins to the present day.
As you explore the museum you can:
We also have an education programme and lots of activities on offer for children of all ages.
You can even get married here, in the majestic setting of the Main Chamber.
Click on the links below to find out much more about The Guildhall Museum.
We look forward to welcoming you very soon.
The Making of Mr Dickens Exhibition at Rochester Guildhall Museum
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall officially opened the new exhibition
An exciting new permanent exhibition on Charles Dickens has been officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall at the Guildhall Museum.
The famous author Charles Dickens' childhood years that he spent in Rochester and Chatham greatly influenced his future life and career, and it was his fondness for the area which later brought him back to live here as a global superstar. Many of his characters and stories are set in the Medway area, but what do we really know about the man behind Great Expectations, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist?
The Making of Mr Dickens is a new permanent exhibition. Visitors can enjoy an exciting and immersive journey through Dickens’ life in Medway, while exploring the people and places which shaped his complex personal and public life and inspired him to create some of the best- loved stories in English literature.
10am - 4pm
Enjoy different festive crafts each Saturday leading up to Christmas. Every Saturday you can decorate a paper plate with a festive scene, make a Christmas card for someone, in addition we will have fun themed crafts for you to make on the below Saturdays.
Sat, 16 Nov - Make a paper plate Christmas wreath
Sat, 30 Nov - Make a snowman
Sat, 7 Dec & Sun 8 Dec - Make your own Reindeer hat
Sat, 14 Dec - Make a crafty Christmas Tree
Sat, 21 Dec - Make a Christmas Cracker
Admission charges apply. Crafts included with admission.
10 December 2024 - 4 January 2025
The elves are back and up to mischief can you tell us what they have been doing in our museum.
Located in the heart of Rochester, The Guildhall is bursting with character and charm, creating a truly captivating setting for your ceremony.
The Guildhall chamber is a fine example of 17th century interior decoration, with its magnificent painted plaster ceilings and large decorative oil paintings. The stunning red-carpeted, sweeping staircase leads you to the chamber entrance where you will be spellbound by the grandeur of this historic venue. The glittering chandeliers offer the perfect soft ambience for your ceremony.
The Guildhall Museum is open to visitors 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.
For your safety when visiting us, hand-sanitiser stations are provided at the museum’s entrance.
As from 29 March 2024 admission fees apply. Adults £5 & Child £1
The Guildhall Museum will be open on Sunday, 15 December.
There will be Christmas Tree crafting and Elf trails to enjoy.
Address
Rochester Guildhall Museum Guildhall Museum, High Street, Rochester ME1 1PY
Links
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays. Last admission 4.15pm.
