View of Quex House house with a row of cannons in front of a green canopy.

Welcome to the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

Visit us and experience natural history, world culture, heritage and wellbeing all in one marvellous day.

From Wreath-Making and Garden Open Days to Festive Films in Quex House, this Autumn and Winter season has something for the whole family. Check our ‘whats on’ page for upcoming events.

Find us in Birchington, just a stone’s throw from the popular seaside town of Margate. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Plan your visit

Find 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.

Roof Repair

Thanks to UK Government funding, we are able to repair our leak roofs. Find out more here.

A woman with light blown hair, wearing glasses looks at the camera with a small smile, standing in front of a brick wall/

Meet the new CEO

Hear from Sarah Corn, CEO of the Powell-Cotton Trust about her plans and hopes for the organisation.

Summer Openings

From Friday 26th July 2024, we are opening on Fridays throughout the Summer Holidays. This runs until Friday 30th August 2024.

Discover our collections

Explore the map to discover just some of the objects in our collection and where they are from. 

The #SunshineProject isn't just about volunteering, it's about belonging! In this video, our volunteers tell us what the project means to them - inclusivity, community, purpose, and even making new friends. Want to be part of something special and accessible that helps you develop your skills? Then reach out to our Gardens Community Engagement Officer sarah-jayne.rufaeel@powell-cottonmuseum.org 

The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England @Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams #QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday 

@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions

The #SunshineProject isn`t just about volunteering, it`s about belonging! In this video, our volunteers tell us what the project means to them - inclusivity, community, purpose, and even making new friends. Want to be part of something special and accessible that helps you develop your skills? Then reach out to our Gardens Community Engagement Officer sarah-jayne.rufaeel@powell-cottonmuseum.org

The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England @Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams #QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday

@Visit Kent @Visit Thanet- Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate @Kent Attractions
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Spring has officially sprung! Stroll through our enchanting museum gardens this weekend where you’ll discover vibrant blooms, serene woodland pathways, and birdsong sounds. 

#FirstDayofSpring #MuseumGardens #NatureInspiration #QuexGardens #VisitKent #VisitThanet #SpringHasSprung

@visitkent @visitthanet @goodjourneyuk

Spring has officially sprung! Stroll through our enchanting museum gardens this weekend where you’ll discover vibrant blooms, serene woodland pathways, and birdsong sounds.

#FirstDayofSpring #MuseumGardens #NatureInspiration #QuexGardens #VisitKent #VisitThanet #SpringHasSprung

@visitkent @visitthanet @goodjourneyuk
...

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On Friday 8th March, we welcomed special guests and organisations from across Thanet and Swale to celebrate the launch of the #SunshineProject. 

The Sunshine Project is funded by a generous grant from AIM Connected Communities and will offer life-enriching opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, mental health challenges and those who are socially isolated. 

From gardening to nature photography, we have something for everyone. Perhaps you would like to take part in an art or well-being workshop? Whilst we are brimming with ideas, we would love to hear from you too. Comment below with what workshops you would like to see. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

#QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday

@Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams @visitkent @visitthanet @bestkentattractions

On Friday 8th March, we welcomed special guests and organisations from across Thanet and Swale to celebrate the launch of the #SunshineProject.

The Sunshine Project is funded by a generous grant from AIM Connected Communities and will offer life-enriching opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, mental health challenges and those who are socially isolated.

From gardening to nature photography, we have something for everyone. Perhaps you would like to take part in an art or well-being workshop? Whilst we are brimming with ideas, we would love to hear from you too. Comment below with what workshops you would like to see. AIM Connected Communities is funded by DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund.

#QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday

@Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams @visitkent @visitthanet @bestkentattractions
...

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Calling all art enthusiasts! Visit us on Saturday 23rd March, from 11am to 3pm for an Open Studio.
 
Meet our talented Artist-in-Residence, Julia Ellen Lancaster, in our newly refurbished garden studio, thanks to our incredible volunteers!
 
Leave your mark on the 'Public Pot' at the studio, unleash your creativity with clay, and turn your imagination into reality. Whether you want to make your own version of an Easter egg cup or a mini spring flower inspired by the garden, the possibilities are endless. Included with your standard admission ticket.
 
This will also be an opportunity to ask Julia questions about her plans for future projects and her involvement with the Sunshine Project!  #ArtistInResidence #QuexGardens

@visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions

Calling all art enthusiasts! Visit us on Saturday 23rd March, from 11am to 3pm for an Open Studio.

Meet our talented Artist-in-Residence, Julia Ellen Lancaster, in our newly refurbished garden studio, thanks to our incredible volunteers!

Leave your mark on the `Public Pot` at the studio, unleash your creativity with clay, and turn your imagination into reality. Whether you want to make your own version of an Easter egg cup or a mini spring flower inspired by the garden, the possibilities are endless. Included with your standard admission ticket.

This will also be an opportunity to ask Julia questions about her plans for future projects and her involvement with the Sunshine Project! #ArtistInResidence #QuexGardens

@visitthanet @visitkent @kentattractions
...

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Want to get outside more? Stay active and enjoy a bit of time in the fresh air? Always fancied having a go at gardening but don't have the skills or experience to get started? 

This Sunday our 'Productive Greenhouse' Workshop might be the answer! 

Meet like-minded gardeners and together learn how to make the most of growing plants and food under glass with our expert gardening team here at Quex Gardens. Get your hands dirty with practical demos and workshops and learn tips and tips to help your garden thrive! 

Your ticket also includes a delicious hearty lunch in our beautiful Winter Garden Glasshouse. Head to the website to find out more! Ticket sales end on Wednesday 13th March.

#GardenWorkshops  #QuexGardens #Kentgardenworkshops 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Want to get outside more? Stay active and enjoy a bit of time in the fresh air? Always fancied having a go at gardening but don`t have the skills or experience to get started?

This Sunday our `Productive Greenhouse` Workshop might be the answer!

Meet like-minded gardeners and together learn how to make the most of growing plants and food under glass with our expert gardening team here at Quex Gardens. Get your hands dirty with practical demos and workshops and learn tips and tips to help your garden thrive!

Your ticket also includes a delicious hearty lunch in our beautiful Winter Garden Glasshouse. Head to the website to find out more! Ticket sales end on Wednesday 13th March.

#GardenWorkshops #QuexGardens #Kentgardenworkshops

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

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We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you'll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker 

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

We continue to celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth with our Female of the Species tours every weekend throughout March. Embark on a journey of empowerment and discovery with our female-focused tour, where you`ll uncover the surprising pursuit of women as hunters and collectors as well as learning about the artisans that created our newest collection, Nambian Narratives. Tours are included with your standard admission ticket.

#WomensHistoryMonth #InternationalWomensDay #Learning #ReimaginingTheMuseum #MuseumMaker

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
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Our amazing volunteers have shared their reasons for being a part of the #SunshineProject. The Sunshine Project offers volunteering opportunities, community engagement and social connectivity for adults with learning disabilities, and/or mild physical disabilities, mental health issues or social isolation. 

Curious to learn more about the project and how you can get involved? Reach out to Sarah-Jayne Rufaeel at Sarah-Jayne.Rufaeel@powell-cottonmuseum.org

The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM connected communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams

#QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions

Our amazing volunteers have shared their reasons for being a part of the #SunshineProject. The Sunshine Project offers volunteering opportunities, community engagement and social connectivity for adults with learning disabilities, and/or mild physical disabilities, mental health issues or social isolation.

Curious to learn more about the project and how you can get involved? Reach out to Sarah-Jayne Rufaeel at Sarah-Jayne.Rufaeel@powell-cottonmuseum.org

The Sunshine Project is in receipt of a grant from AIM connected communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimmuseums @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams

#QuexGardens #SunshineProjectSunday

@visitkent @visitthanet @kentattractions
...

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As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster. 

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April. 

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions 
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum 
 
The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams

As part of the Sunshine project members of the garden team recently took part in a clay workshop led by Jayne Wright @ThanetTilesOfJoy and our resident artist, Julia Ellen-Lancaster.

Starting with identical balls of clay each person created an individual tile inspired by things which brought them joy. The result is a set of tiles which are different from each other. Participants discovered ways to sculpt and mould their designs with inspiration from the garden as well as personal flights of fancy!

Discover these incredible works from our talented team at our open days from Saturday 2nd March to Sunday 1st April.

@visitkent @visitthanet @ketnattractions
#Learning #QuexGardens #ReimaginingTheMuseum

The #SunshineProject receives a grant from AIM Connected Communities. AIM Connected Communities is funded by the DCMS Know Your Neighbourhood Fund through Arts Council England. @Aimuseums, @dcmsgovuk and @aceagrams
...

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