Sunshine Project
Delivering meaningful and engaging volunteer opportunities in Quex Gardens
Current
Decolonisation and Practice
Working with community partners of African heritage to reinterpret and redisplay artefacts from East Africa
Colonial Critters
A new perspective on our enduringly popular diorama displays
Past
Nambian Narratives
Bringing the connection between communities and objects found in our collections, into the present day
Collections Conversations
Our new podcast series in conversation with partners and our audiences giving a different take on the museum and addressing some of the complex stories we are trying to tell
TAB - The Art Box
In 2022 with funding from 'Artswork' we engaged in a small project with a local school to explore ways of working in partnership to create new learning resources
Breaking out of the Museum
Thanks to the Association of Independent Museums ‘Tackling Inequalities Hallmarks Grant Award’ supported by Arts Council England, we’re launching ‘Breaking out of the Museum’
Winter Garden Restoration
Our first project in the evolving life of Quex Gardens
We had a wonderful festive wreath making session today in the winter gardens.
Some stunning wreaths being taken home today, all made from foliage freshly picked from Quex Garden and with expert guidance from our head gardener Sue.
#Wreathmaking #festivewreaths #wreathworkshop #quexgardens
The weather has been a lot colder this week, but we managed to plant the last of the spring bulbs for our pot display next year, and we learnt about making beautiful, brightly coloured mosaics with artist @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics.
We also harvested Leeks, Spinach, Dill, Landcress, Bay and Rosemary for @angelas_of_margate.
What have you been harvesting this autumn?
#SunshineProject #QuexGardens #AutumnHarvest #CommunityGarden #SpringBulbs #MosaicArt #GardenProjects #MargateGardens #GrowYourOwn
Drop in to Quex Gardens anytime between 11am–3pm this Friday 24 October and get hands-on with clay in this relaxed, family-friendly workshop with @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics.
No experience needed - just bring your imagination! Inspired by the beauty of the autumn garden, you’ll create your own clay tile to contribute to a permanent artwork in our historic walled garden.
You can also enjoy Gentle Yoga, feel the rhythm with African Drumming, and explore the Beastly Bones event in the museum!
All activities are included with your standard admission ticket:
Adults £7.50, Concessions £7, Children £6.50 and Infants (3 and under) FREE
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #CeramicsWorkshop #FamilyFun #HalfTermActivities #KentEvents
Find inner calm and balance in Quex Gardens with a gentle yoga session led by @elise.anna.carter on Friday 24 October.
Elise’s classes are accessible and grounding with a focus on seasonal rhythms and connection to the natural world.
Suitable for all abilities, this class focuses on slow, mindful movement and deep breathing - the perfect way to ease into your day in the peaceful surroundings of our gardens.
Drop-in sessions at 11.30 am and 1.30pm. Included in your standard admission ticket.
#QuexGardens #GentleYoga #YogaForAll #NatureConnection #SeasonalYoga
Join us for our final Wellbeing Taster Day of the year on Friday 24 October, and enjoy a relaxed day of free, nature-based activities in our historic garden — a space full of life, heritage and seasonal beauty.
Activities include:
Drop-in Ceramics Workshop with @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics
Gentle Yoga with Elise Carter @elise.anna.carter
African Drumming with Jane Henya @janehenya and Jambo Africa
It’s the perfect chance to unwind and experience nature’s therapy on your doorstep as our gardens glow with autumn colour. 🍂
All activities are included with your standard admission ticket. Garden-only tickets are available at a reduced price - ask at reception for details.
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #ThanetEvents #KentLife #FindWellbeingThroughNature #HistoricGarden #NatureTherapy #SeasonalBeauty #RootedInCommunity
This week, we were joined by brilliant ceramics artist @juliaellenlancaster_ceramics
The Sunshine Project groups are working together to produce a ceramic art work, which will be permanently displayed in the garden! We can’t yet reveal what the final artwork will look like…. but we can tell you it is inspired by seasonal change, and especially the trees we have here at Quex - whose leaves are turning from green to shades of orange, amber and red at the moment.🍁
Julia will also be joining us at our final well-being day of the year on Friday 24th October! So why not come and have a go at the tile workshop for yourself?
These activities are all possible thanks to support from @aimmuseums and @dcmsgovuk Connecting Communities programme.
#sunshineproject #ceramics #autumnleaves #art #creativeworkshop #QuexGardens
We’re at the East Kent ploughing match in Quex Park today, here to celebrate Kent farmers and the incredible work they do to put fresh, locally grown food on our tables.
Our garden team have brought a taste of our Victorian Walled Gardens to the show too - with homegrown potatoes, onions, tomatoes, beetroot and more for sale.
Come and say hello and stock up on some homegrown goodness!
#kentploughingmatch #kentfarming #locallygrownfood #quexgardens
Feel the beat! Join @janehenya, founder and director of charity Jambo Africa, for an energising African Drumming Sessions as part of our Wellbeing Taster Day this Friday 26 September.
Whether you’re new to drumming or have tried it before, these sessions are are a joyful way to lift your spirits!
Drumming sessions at 12.30 & 2.00pm on the Winter Garden Terrace, Quex Gardens
Our Wellbeing Taster Days are supported by @aimmuseums funded by the @dcmsgovuk Connecting Communities programme.
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #AfricanDrumming #JamboAfrica #ThanetEvents #KentLife #CommunityRhythms
Come and taste the delicious produce of our garden!
Join local artist & chef @annienicholsartist in Quex Gardens on Friday 26 September for a special Cooking with Garden Produce Taster Session.
From 11:30 – 1:30, Annie will be cooking up simple, delicious tasters using herbs and vegetables grown by our staff and community volunteers right here in the Victorian Walled Garden. Drop in, try something new, and get inspired by what’s in season.
This event is part of our Wellbeing Taster Day at Quex Gardens - free activities all day including African drumming, garden insect walks, and a listening tent.
Supported by @aimmuseums & @dcmsgovuk Connecting Communities programme.
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #GardenToTable #SeasonalCooking #ThanetEvents #KentLife
Save the Date! Our popular Festive Wreath-Making Workshops are returning to Quex Gardens this winter 🌿
Workshops will take place in the Winter Gardens on 29 & 30 November and 6 & 7 December.
Tickets will be available for purchase starting at 10am on Friday, 26 September. Mark your diaries and book early, as they sell out fast!
#FestiveWorkshops #WreathMaking #PowellCottonMuseum #QuexGardens #ChristmasAtQuex
Discover the secret life of garden insects in Quex Gardens 🐝
On Friday 26 September, 1–2pm, join @simonspringate, Kent’s Plan Bee Project Officer, for a guided walk through Quex Gardens.
From busy pollinators to the tiny creatures that keep everything in balance, you’ll uncover the incredible variety of insect life that makes the garden thrive, and learn why they’re so vital for biodiversity and wellbeing.
Part of our Wellbeing Taster Day at Quex Gardens | Free drop-in
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #GardenInsects #Biodiversity #ThanetEvents #KentLife #PlanBee
Turn on your sound now to discover the hidden music of plants!
Join sound artist Pedro Figueiredo and community gardener Rosie Carr in Quex Gardens for a calming listening experience on Friday, 26th September.
You’ll be immersed in a soundscape created directly from the gardens, blending the hidden garden sounds and even the quiet pulse of plants captured earlier in the day in our Field Recording and Listening Workshop (book your place now via the link in our profile).
A mindful, restorative way to end the Wellbeing Taster Day. Join us in Quex Gardens on Friday 26 September, from 11am to 4pm.
#WellbeingTasterDay #QuexGardens #SoundBath #ImmersiveSound #NatureSounds #ThanetEvents #KentLife
