News from the MUSEUM East Wing’s official opening


The East Wing was formally opened on March 23. MP Helen Grant and the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Brian Mortimer, cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion, in the presence of the Leader of the Council and the Leader of the Opposition. Paul Hudson, the Chairman of the South East Region of the Heritage Lottery Fund, also attended.


Canoe takes pride of place


explore This Easter the museum will be joining the Kent Children’s University passport scheme as a learning destination. A new free hour-long


trail will be available for the museum for passport holders and further topics will be added to coincide with the museum’s special exhibitions….including the summer exhibition ‘Secret Egypt’.


This Easter explorer back packs will be available for visitors aged between four and 16 years. The trails, quizzes and questions will help inquisitive minds get the most out of a visit. The back packs cost 50p. Whether you want to know more about the Victorians, Dinosaurs, or just find artistic inspiration, there will be a pack for everyone.


Step into


This nine-metre long canoe was donated to the Museum by Julius Brenchley in 1873. It is decorated with shell and mother-of-pearl and has taken its place in the museum’s new East Wing. Visit the museum at St Faith’s Street, Maidstone.


Temporary Exhibition Galleries


Kent County Photographic Association Annual Exhibition Until Sunday, June 10


The Kent County Photographic Association’s annual exhibition brings together the best new photographs from members from Kent’s photographic associations.


Secret Egypt, Unravelling Truth from Myth


Saturday, June 30, 2012 – Sunday, September 3, 2012


With more than 150 objects on display drawn from the significant collections of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Herbert in Coventry and Maidstone Museum; Secret Egypt unlocks the myths and legends of this ancient civilisation. You will find much to explore in this interactive exhibition for all ages. Touring exhibition organised by the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry.


Events


Tuesday, April 10 Dino & Doll Money Boxes - Select your colours and paint your very own dinosaur or doll money box to save your pennies in. £4 activity. Aged 5+.


Learning The museum’s new classroom has been tested over the winter term and has received excellent feedback. School and family visitors love the bright colour scheme, comfy chairs and have found it inspiring. This term the museum will see the learning potential increase as an interactive whiteboard and visualiser is added to the room. The new high-tech facilities will allow the museum to include sound bites and moving images of museum objects in its ‘Step into Learning’ programme.


Inspirations IV Until Sunday, April 29


An exhibition of artistic responses by fifteen students from K College in Tonbridge. The second year Foundation Degree Art students were asked to make a piece that was


Dolls From June 2012


A display of dolls and toys from the museum’s own collections. On show in the Dressing Rooms Costume Gallery you are sure to find something that takes you back to your own childhood. The display has been co-curated by our volunteer team.


Activity sessions start at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. There are 15 spaces per session available. Workshops are £2.50 unless stated.


Wednesday, April 11 Beading & Stitching - Get crafty and have fun making some gorgeous bead jewellery or a scented padded hanger. Aged 7+.


Thursday, April 12 Nature in Harmony Wind Chimes - Choose from wooden dinosaurs, flowers or insects and paint and decorate your own personal wind chime.


Friday, April 13 Farm Visit and Animal Puppets - Come and see some farm animals in the museum courtyard and then make a felt puppet of your favourite. Farm entry only 50p per child.


inspired by the museum and/or its collections as part of their course work. Their work can be found displayed around the museum and a hand list is available to help you locate them.


Passport to


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