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.
White Rabbit Trail
There are 6 White Rabbits hidden around the museum , can you find them all and write their names?
Sat, 5 April – Sat, 19 April, 10am-4pm
Admission charges apply (trail free).
Admission charges apply. Trail Free
To commemorate the 80TH anniversary of VE day, learn about life during the war in Rochester with our historical interpreter.
See ordinary household items from the War years and hear some wartime tales of real local families.
Hear how they celebrated VE Day.
Dates and activities are as follows:
11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm (sessions last 30 minutes)
Admission Charges apply.
Crafts drop in from 10am-4pm
Help make VE day bunting to commemorate VJ day in August.
Tue, 27 May - Fri, 30 May, 10am-4pm
Admission charges apply, crafts free with admission.
Tue, 27 May - Fri, 30 May, 10am–4pm
Curious and cruiser trail
Can you find all the curious bugs around our museum?
Sat, 19 July – Sat, 30 Aug, 10am-4pm
Admission charges apply, trail free.
Design and make your own cabinet of curiosity box with crafty Beatles, dragonflies and ladybirds.
Weekdays only. Wed, 23 July – Fri, 29 Aug, 10am-4pm
(Education talk and real birds to stroke)
Wed, 30 July, 1-4pm
£4 for handling birds and photograph, with all money going to the bird company; however, the first 50 bird handles are free.
Admission charges apply, crafts free with admission.
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
Children: £1.10
Annual Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children): £10
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.
