Collect your Wheels of Time badge from us!
We are thrilled to be a new participating member of the Wheels of Time Kent badge collecting scheme. Collect a badge on your next visit!
Welcome to the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens
Famous for our natural history dioramas, featuring animals from tiny tortoises to enormous elephants, you’ll be amazed at what we have on display. Find us in Birchington, just a stone’s throw from the popular seaside town of Margate.
Our main season begins on Saturday 15th February with regular open days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 31st October. Check our What’s On page for the latest events and activities. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Plan your visitFind Out More
This is an exciting time for the Museum, Quex House and Gardens and we’ve got a lot to share with you. From restoration projects to new learning content and initiatives, follow the links to connect with us.
Everything is happening, all at once, and all of the time!
Our Head of Collections Madylene Beardmore reflects on her first year at the Powell-Cotton Museum for the March/April issue of Museum Journal.
Our roof replacement Part 6
The enabling works for phase 2 of our roof replacement project are now underway. Here's what you can expect...
Discover our collections
Explore the map to discover just some of the objects in our collection and where they are from.
Come for the natural history, stay for the feathers 🦚
Our resident peacock Pinfold is strutting into spring with a full fan of fabulous feathers!
Come and meet our marvellous peacock, explore the museum and gardens and enjoy a day out filled with nature and history this Easter.
We`re open Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, 11am-4pm.
#SpringExplorers #NaturalHistory #QuexHouse #QuexGardens #PowellCottonMuseum #MuseumGardens #VisitKent #VisitThanet #EasterWeekend
Come for the natural history, stay for the feathers 🦚
Our resident peacock Pinfold is strutting into spring with a full fan of fabulous feathers!
Come and meet our marvellous peacock, explore the museum and gardens and enjoy a day out filled with nature and history this Easter.
We`re open Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, 11am-4pm.
#SpringExplorers #NaturalHistory #QuexHouse #QuexGardens #PowellCottonMuseum #MuseumGardens #VisitKent #VisitThanet #EasterWeekend
Happy Mother`s Day🌷Our gardens are really rising to the occasion and putting on a stunning spring floral display.
Why not treat mum to a stroll around around our enchanting woodland walk and walled garden to see how many different flowers you can spot.
#mothersday #quexgardens #tulips #summersnowflake #hyacinth #wildprimrose #nemesia #appleblossom #blossomwatch
Happy Mother`s Day🌷Our gardens are really rising to the occasion and putting on a stunning spring floral display.
Why not treat mum to a stroll around around our enchanting woodland walk and walled garden to see how many different flowers you can spot.
#mothersday #quexgardens #tulips #summersnowflake #hyacinth #wildprimrose #nemesia #appleblossom #blossomwatch
Gorgeous blossoms are blooming in the gardens.
With the season only lasting a few weeks, now is the best time to take a blossom break and enjoy this stunning annual show!
The museum, house and gardens are open from 11am - 4pm.
#QuexGardens #BlossomWatch #SpringInBloom #GardenVisit #WoodlandWalk
Gorgeous blossoms are blooming in the gardens.
With the season only lasting a few weeks, now is the best time to take a blossom break and enjoy this stunning annual show!
The museum, house and gardens are open from 11am - 4pm.
#QuexGardens #BlossomWatch #SpringInBloom #GardenVisit #WoodlandWalk
Our garden fountain statues Hippomenes and Atalanta gleaming in the sunshine after their spring clean.
The two mythical Greek lovers will take centre stage in our Folktales of the Garden guided tours this weekend.
If you’re interested in hearing their captivating story and more myths and legends from Quex Gardens, join us at 11:30am or 2:30pm this Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Big thanks to our garden maintenance officer Mark who did a tremendous job of jet washing away their winter dullness.
Swipe to see the before pics!
#quexgardens #kentgardens #gardenlore #greekculture #gardenphotography
Our garden fountain statues Hippomenes and Atalanta gleaming in the sunshine after their spring clean.
The two mythical Greek lovers will take centre stage in our Folktales of the Garden guided tours this weekend.
If you’re interested in hearing their captivating story and more myths and legends from Quex Gardens, join us at 11:30am or 2:30pm this Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Big thanks to our garden maintenance officer Mark who did a tremendous job of jet washing away their winter dullness.
Swipe to see the before pics!
#quexgardens #kentgardens #gardenlore #greekculture #gardenphotography
Chitting away in our Break Room
From outside, it`s truly lovely to see our chimneys puffing up smoky clouds as we approach the building—a welcoming sign of warmth, as we escape from the cold nip in the air and wheel over the threshold, we`re greeted by a waft of warmth from our break room, the smell of charred wood and the molten glow of the fire making the space even more inviting.
One of our Sunshine participants enjoys the tactile experience of touching the textured potato skins and root growths, smiling and making sounds of delight whilst chitting our Ratte potatoes. Instead of planting our potatoes immediately, we chit them to establish strong roots before they go into the ground, ensuring a healthy and robust crop.
Ratte potatoes also known as Ratte de Crémieu potatoes, have a distinctive nutty flavour, were first cultivated in the late 19th century in France, quickly gaining popularity for their superior taste and texture compared to other local varieties.
Your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project, funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
A heartfelt thank you to Association of Independent Museums Department for Culture, Media and Sport Arts Council England Council England, @SunshineProjectSunday, our wonderful participants, the public, and @QuexGardens for helping us continue serving our community.
Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of community together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #SenseCharity #RattePotatoes #GardenSenses #CommunityCare #VegPlot #SoilToSupper #FarmToTable #WoodburningStove #HistoricalVictorian #EdwardianGarden #WalledGardens
#QuexGardens #QuexHouse
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
Chitting away in our Break Room
From outside, it`s truly lovely to see our chimneys puffing up smoky clouds as we approach the building—a welcoming sign of warmth, as we escape from the cold nip in the air and wheel over the threshold, we`re greeted by a waft of warmth from our break room, the smell of charred wood and the molten glow of the fire making the space even more inviting.
One of our Sunshine participants enjoys the tactile experience of touching the textured potato skins and root growths, smiling and making sounds of delight whilst chitting our Ratte potatoes. Instead of planting our potatoes immediately, we chit them to establish strong roots before they go into the ground, ensuring a healthy and robust crop.
Ratte potatoes also known as Ratte de Crémieu potatoes, have a distinctive nutty flavour, were first cultivated in the late 19th century in France, quickly gaining popularity for their superior taste and texture compared to other local varieties.
Your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project, funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
A heartfelt thank you to Association of Independent Museums Department for Culture, Media and Sport Arts Council England Council England, @SunshineProjectSunday, our wonderful participants, the public, and @QuexGardens for helping us continue serving our community.
Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of community together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #SenseCharity #RattePotatoes #GardenSenses #CommunityCare #VegPlot #SoilToSupper #FarmToTable #WoodburningStove #HistoricalVictorian #EdwardianGarden #WalledGardens
#QuexGardens #QuexHouse
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
From Sunshine, to Soil, to Soup…
Freshly picked from our Walled Garden that very morning—except for the pumpkin, harvested last year—the ingredients for our soup couldn’t have been fresher... Carrots, leeks, pumpkin, thyme, bay leaves, and a few spices came together to create a heart-warming dish.
With the support of two KCC staff from Minnis Hub, our Sunshine participants prepared a delicious soup on the Winter Garden’s wood-burning stove. The delightful aroma filled the air, warmly welcoming us in from the gardens. It was a well-deserved treat, enjoyed by all at the Sunshine Project, bringing our community together.
Adding a special touch to the ingredients were our peanut pumpkins, an old French variety "Galeux d`Eysines," added their own magic. One pumpkin, weighing just under 2 stone (13kg), delivered rich, sweet flavours reminiscent of sweet potatoes and apples. Last year, we had grown one that was more than double that size!
Another ingredient was our Lyon Prizetaker leeks, a UK variety celebrated for its rich flavour and tender texture, making it a staple in home cooking.
Did you know that leeks were enjoyed by the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and it was possibly the Romans, who introduced them to Wales?
Always learning skills and unique trivia from our gardeners and community at Quex Gardens, your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project. Funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
A heartfelt thank you to @Association of Independent Museums @Department for Culture, @Media and Sport Arts Council England, @SunshineProjectSunday, our wonderful participants, the public, and @QuexGardens for helping us continue serving our community.
Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of community together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #CommunityCare #SoilToSupper #CommunityCooking #FarmToTable #LyonLeeks #PeanutPumpkin #GaleuxDEysines #VegPlot
#CharlottePotatoes #WoodburningStove #WoodburningStoveCooking #WinterGardenGlassHouse #HistoricalVictorian #EdwardianGarden #WalledGardens
#QuexGardens #QuexHouse
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
From Sunshine, to Soil, to Soup…
Freshly picked from our Walled Garden that very morning—except for the pumpkin, harvested last year—the ingredients for our soup couldn’t have been fresher... Carrots, leeks, pumpkin, thyme, bay leaves, and a few spices came together to create a heart-warming dish.
With the support of two KCC staff from Minnis Hub, our Sunshine participants prepared a delicious soup on the Winter Garden’s wood-burning stove. The delightful aroma filled the air, warmly welcoming us in from the gardens. It was a well-deserved treat, enjoyed by all at the Sunshine Project, bringing our community together.
Adding a special touch to the ingredients were our peanut pumpkins, an old French variety "Galeux d`Eysines," added their own magic. One pumpkin, weighing just under 2 stone (13kg), delivered rich, sweet flavours reminiscent of sweet potatoes and apples. Last year, we had grown one that was more than double that size!
Another ingredient was our Lyon Prizetaker leeks, a UK variety celebrated for its rich flavour and tender texture, making it a staple in home cooking.
Did you know that leeks were enjoyed by the Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and it was possibly the Romans, who introduced them to Wales?
Always learning skills and unique trivia from our gardeners and community at Quex Gardens, your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project. Funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
A heartfelt thank you to @Association of Independent Museums @Department for Culture, @Media and Sport Arts Council England, @SunshineProjectSunday, our wonderful participants, the public, and @QuexGardens for helping us continue serving our community.
Let’s keep celebrating the beauty of community together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #CommunityCare #SoilToSupper #CommunityCooking #FarmToTable #LyonLeeks #PeanutPumpkin #GaleuxDEysines #VegPlot
#CharlottePotatoes #WoodburningStove #WoodburningStoveCooking #WinterGardenGlassHouse #HistoricalVictorian #EdwardianGarden #WalledGardens
#QuexGardens #QuexHouse
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
Sunny Salutations from the Sunshine Project!
Sun Salutations are a cornerstone of any vinyasa flow yoga practice.
Our first session back, giggles and enthusiastic “barks” during the beloved Downward Facing Dog pose added to the joy, as participants immersed themselves in a yoga session in our new set-up in the Winter Garden.
The picturesque window views enhanced the serene atmosphere, while the crackling wood stove and heaters warmed the air. Yoga mats, cushioned with padding, supported our feet and joints, transforming the indoor space into a cosy retreat, perfect for our practice.
While our beloved Bell Tent awaits a deep clean and setup for the warmer months, we fully embrace this inviting indoor setting. Guided by our new Yoga Instructor, Elise Anna Carta, we flowed through a refreshing sequence, making it a delightful way to start the year with renewed energy and focus.
A heartfelt thank you to Elise and our vibrant Sunshine participants, whose warmth and enthusiasm brighten even the chilliest days. Your energy makes every session a joyful experience.
Let us shine, connect, and grow—here at the Sunshine Project
supported and funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. Your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to @AssociationofIndeAssociation of Independent MuseumsiDepartment for Culture, Media and SportPArts Council Englandupport, Volunteers, Staff, @QuexGardens, and Public for their invaluable support.
Let’s continue to celebrate community and well-being together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #SunSalutations #VinyasaFlow #YinYoga #HathaFlow #WinterGarden #QuexGardens #PowellCottonMuseum
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
Sunny Salutations from the Sunshine Project!
Sun Salutations are a cornerstone of any vinyasa flow yoga practice.
Our first session back, giggles and enthusiastic “barks” during the beloved Downward Facing Dog pose added to the joy, as participants immersed themselves in a yoga session in our new set-up in the Winter Garden.
The picturesque window views enhanced the serene atmosphere, while the crackling wood stove and heaters warmed the air. Yoga mats, cushioned with padding, supported our feet and joints, transforming the indoor space into a cosy retreat, perfect for our practice.
While our beloved Bell Tent awaits a deep clean and setup for the warmer months, we fully embrace this inviting indoor setting. Guided by our new Yoga Instructor, Elise Anna Carta, we flowed through a refreshing sequence, making it a delightful way to start the year with renewed energy and focus.
A heartfelt thank you to Elise and our vibrant Sunshine participants, whose warmth and enthusiasm brighten even the chilliest days. Your energy makes every session a joyful experience.
Let us shine, connect, and grow—here at the Sunshine Project
supported and funded by AIM Connected Communities Grant funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. Your support is invaluable to us at the Sunshine project.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to @AssociationofIndeAssociation of Independent MuseumsiDepartment for Culture, Media and SportPArts Council Englandupport, Volunteers, Staff, @QuexGardens, and Public for their invaluable support.
Let’s continue to celebrate community and well-being together!
#SunshineProjectSunday #SunSalutations #VinyasaFlow #YinYoga #HathaFlow #WinterGarden #QuexGardens #PowellCottonMuseum
#VisitKent #Kcc_Kent #PowellCottonMuseum
Come along to Quex Gardens to participate in the @rspb Big Garden Bird Watch!
The gardens will be open for a donation entry on Friday 24th - Sunday 26th January, 11 - 3pm.
Bring your binoculars and see how many beautiful birds you can spot in our 10 acres of gardens. We will provide spotter sheets to help you identify the birds. Stop along the path for a warming cup of tea or coffee in exchange for a small donation.
When you have finished, log on to the RSPB website and submit your results (this can also be done by post).
No booking required, just come along!
@visitkent @visitthanet @bestkentattractions
#QuexGardens #biggardenbirdwatch #wintergardens #BritishWinter #birdwatching
Come along to Quex Gardens to participate in the @rspb Big Garden Bird Watch!
The gardens will be open for a donation entry on Friday 24th - Sunday 26th January, 11 - 3pm.
Bring your binoculars and see how many beautiful birds you can spot in our 10 acres of gardens. We will provide spotter sheets to help you identify the birds. Stop along the path for a warming cup of tea or coffee in exchange for a small donation.
When you have finished, log on to the RSPB website and submit your results (this can also be done by post).
No booking required, just come along!
@visitkent @visitthanet @bestkentattractions
#QuexGardens #biggardenbirdwatch #wintergardens #BritishWinter #birdwatching
We recently welcomed Jambo Africa Drumming Group and friends to a ceramics workshop with our #sunshineproject artist in residence, @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics.
Participants recalled memories of making pots by the river in their hometowns as youngsters. And the pots inspired the group to make their own vessels (currently being fired). We think you’ll agree, the results are beautiful and meaningful.
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens
We recently welcomed Jambo Africa Drumming Group and friends to a ceramics workshop with our #sunshineproject artist in residence, @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics.
Participants recalled memories of making pots by the river in their hometowns as youngsters. And the pots inspired the group to make their own vessels (currently being fired). We think you’ll agree, the results are beautiful and meaningful.
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens
This week, our amazing Sunshine Volunteers had a blast cleaning out our pond.
With buckets, smiles, and a whole lot of determination, they removed lots of duckweed and discovered a newt! We gave this little guy a new home in our nature pond, where he can thrive and explore.
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities.
AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens
This week, our amazing Sunshine Volunteers had a blast cleaning out our pond.
With buckets, smiles, and a whole lot of determination, they removed lots of duckweed and discovered a newt! We gave this little guy a new home in our nature pond, where he can thrive and explore.
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities.
AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens
Have you ever heard of these super fun fungi called “Artists Bracket”? You might find them growing on our oak trees in Quex Gardens. You can write or draw on it, using a blunt object such as a stick. If you then dry it, your design will be permanent! They are not edible.
Discover fascinating fungi such as this on our Fun with Fungi workshop on Sunday 13th October- spaces still available! Link in bio.
#ArtistsBracket #QuexGardens #FunWithFungi #FungiArt #NatureWorkshop
Have you ever heard of these super fun fungi called “Artists Bracket”? You might find them growing on our oak trees in Quex Gardens. You can write or draw on it, using a blunt object such as a stick. If you then dry it, your design will be permanent! They are not edible.
Discover fascinating fungi such as this on our Fun with Fungi workshop on Sunday 13th October- spaces still available! Link in bio.
#ArtistsBracket #QuexGardens #FunWithFungi #FungiArt #NatureWorkshop
This week our Sunshine Project participants got to see their glazed pots.
They created these beautiful pieces during a recent clay workshop.
We`re all blown away by their talent!
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens
This week our Sunshine Project participants got to see their glazed pots.
They created these beautiful pieces during a recent clay workshop.
We`re all blown away by their talent!
The Sunshine Project receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England.
@Aimmuseums @DCMS @Ace_national
#SunshineProjectSunday #QuexGardens