FREE ENTRY

Kendal Museum is free at the moment.

The museum is open TUESDAY to SATURDAY 10.30 to 17.00, last entry 16.30.

Besides our fascinating collections we are playing host to a series of exciting temporary exhibitions throughout the season. Please contact us on 01539 815597 or info@kendalmuseum.org.uk for more information on our forthcoming events.

*****Please scroll down to the month you are looking for!*****

Exhibitions

For full details of our exhibitions see the exhibitions page

• ‘text’ Kendal College Student Art Exhibition begins.
  Starts Saturday 9th February – 16th March 2013
  
  
• ‘Lakeland Winter Scenes’ a photography exhibition by Ian Coomer.
  Starts Saturday 9th February – 30th March 2013
  

• ‘Flora’ Art Exhibition begins. In conjunction with The Three-Legged Society Book Launch and Kendal Museum’s rare Herbarium collections.
  Thursday 11th April – 4th May 2013
  
  
• The Great Dodo Exhibition the first in the world to have a variety of Dodos on display by award winning internationally renowned bird taxidermist Carl Church.
  April - October 2013
  
  
• Kendal College Foundation Degree Drawing Art Exhibition. 
  Saturday 18th May – 29th June 2013
  
  
• Summer Exhibition by the Eddington Astronomical Society.
  Saturday 6th July – 31st August 2013
  
  
• ‘Beyond Surface – The Art of Photography? by Professional Photographer Tony Riley.
  Saturday 6th July – 31st August 2013
  
  
• Wildlife Photographer of Year Exhibition.
  **** Due to the demand of the previous year we have extended the exhibition for another two weeks****
  Saturday 21st September – 30th November 2013
  
  
• Rivers of Ice Exhibition begins.
  Saturday 7th December – 25th January 2014

May 2013

• The Great Dodo Exhibition continues
  
  
• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free
  Monday 13th May 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
  
• Finds Afternoon. Stuart Noon our Finds Liaison Officer for Lancashire and Cumbria under the Portable Antiquities Scheme will be here from 1 - 3pm to see what you've found. This is a free service.
  Wednesday 15th May 1-3pm
  
  
•  ‘Flora’ Art Exhibition continues until 11th May. In conjunction with The Three-Legged Society ‘Flora’ is a short exhibition on some of the unique specimens of Kendal Museum’s Herbarium collections and work by Kendal College Photography students and other local artists.
  Until Saturday 11th May
  
  
• Kendal Museum is taking part in Museums at Night again this year and we are hoping for a great turn out! There are many changes happening in our museum at the moment, the reception area is being transformed into a bright and spacious hospitality area. We are working on the re-display of the Roman Pottery and have some new, very special arrivals to the museum! You won't recognise the place! Do come in and see how the progress is going.
  We also have the preview of the Kendal College Foundation Drawing Degree Show. Your chance to see the exhibition first and talk to the students.
  Thursday 16th May - open until 7pm!
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session.  The Sizergh project – finding about techniques to be used on the site. New members are always welcome.
  Saturday 18th May 10:30 – 12:30
  
  
• Foundation Degree Drawing Art Exhibition.  The exhibition is of work by foundation degree Kendal College Art Students.
  Saturday 18th May – 29th June
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 29th May 15:00 -15:45
  

June 2013

• The Great Dodo Exhibition continues
  
  
• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free
  Monday 3rd June 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• Foundation Degree Drawing Art Exhibition continues until 29th June.  The exhibition is of work by foundation degree Kendal College Art Students.
  Until 29th June
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session.  Metal detecting in a field! Location and dates to be confirmed. Contact the museum if you need more information.
  Saturday TBC June 10:30 – 12:30
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 26th June 15:00 -15:45
  
  
  
• ‘Sunwatch’ Kendal Museum will be the venue for the Eddington Astronomical Society event. Using specialist light filtering telescopes visitors will be able to see the sun in a way they never have before. Warning, do not try this at home!
  Saturday 29th June 12.00noon – 14.00

July 2013

• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free.
  Monday 1st July 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• The Great Dodo Exhibition and Auction Event. On Thursday 4th July 2013 Kendal Museum will be hosting a champagne reception in our beautiful gardens. Professor Carl G Jones MBE will open the event and hold a talk on the importance of the Dodo in history.
  We will also have more Dodos from Carl Church and some special Dodo bronzes arriving just for the official launch!
  We will be hosting a fundraising auction event with fantastic prizes.
  To find out more or to buy your ticket for this special event please email dodo@kendalmuseum.org.uk
  Thursday 4th July
  
  
• Summer Exhibition by the Eddington Astronomical Society. The EAS who meet monthly in the museum are putting together some superb images, displays and information on astronomy for the public to view and enjoy.
  Saturday 6th July – 31st August
  
  
• ‘Beyond Surface – The Art of Photography?’ An exhibition of creative experiments in photography by Professional Photographer Tony Riley.
  Saturday 6th July – 31st August
  
  
• Festival of British Archaeology. Kendal Museum is taking part in the annual nationwide festival. We will have a number of themed events from re-enactment to crafts and talks. Keep watching for more information.
  Saturday 13th – 28th July
  
  
• Archaeology Afternoon. Ever wonder what hidden treasures are in our stores? Come along at 12.30 - 1.15, for a behind the scenes tour with our Archaeology Curator! The tour is free, but must be booked in advance.
  From 1.30 - 3.30 our Finds Liaison Officer will be here to tell you about his role with his handling collection. Maybe you've found an item you would like him to identify, do bring it in! A free, drop-in event.
  Friday 19th July 12.30 - 3.30pm
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session.  Bronze Age Dig with the National Trust at Sizergh. Please note the club will be allocated one of the days, either the 13th or 14th for the dig.
  Saturday 13th or 14th July 10:30 – 12:30
  
  
• 'Living Military History Day' - Life on the Front Lines!
  Four eras represented by five re-enactors! The Living History event will include the display of equipment, clothing and history of the people of the Roman garrison at Watercrook. The Viking raiders, the 15th century man at arms and Kendal archers! The medieval wise woman and a soldier from the English Civil War. Kendal Museum brings history to life for everyone to enjoy! Free event.
  Wednesday 24th July 11am - 3pm
  
  
• 'Junior Curator Day' take part in a training day at Kendal Museum aimed at 6th form students and those thinking of applying to university for courses in archaeology, natural history or cultural heritage. Working with actual collections, with qualified curators in an accredited museum. On successfully completing the day students will receive a certificate of competence. £25.00 per student.
  Thursday 25th July 09.00 - 17.00
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Please book
  Wednesday 31st July 15:00 -15:45
  

August 2013

• The Great Dodo Exhibition continues
  
  
• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free
  Monday 5th August 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• 'Junior Curator Day' take part in a training day at Kendal Museum aimed at 6th form students and those thinking of applying to university for courses in archaeology, natural history or cultural heritage. Working with actual collections, with qualified curators in an accredited museum. On successfully completing the day students will receive a certificate of competence. £25.00 per student.
  Thursday 1st and 8th August 09.00 - 17.00
  
  
• During the month of August with the school holidays in full swing we will have childrens activities, crafts, readings and talks in relation to the Dodo and endangered species. Keep watching for more information!
  The month of August
  
  
• Finds Afternoon. Stuart Noon our Finds Liaison Officer for Lancashire and Cumbria under the Portable Antiquities Scheme will be here from 1 - 3pm to see what you've found. This is a free service.
  Thursday 15th August 1-3pm
  
  
• ‘Beyond Surface – The Art of Photography?’ An exhibition of creative experiments in photography by Professional Photographer Tony Riley. Continues until:
  Saturday 31st August
  
  
• Summer Exhibition by the Eddington Astronomical Society. The EAS who meet monthly in the museum are putting together some superb images, displays and information on astronomy for the public to view and enjoy.
  Until 31st August
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club is on holiday this month, see you in September! New members are always welcome.
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 28th August 15:00 -15:45
  

September 2013

• The Great Dodo Exhibition continues
  
  
• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free.
  Monday 2nd September 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• Wildlife Photographer of Year Exhibition. Back again after its popularity in 2012. See the stunning travelling exhibition of over one hundred images from the new exhibition. Due to the demand of the previous year we have extended the exhibition for another two weeks.
  Saturday 21st September – 30th November
  
  
• 'Junior Curator Day' take part in a training day at Kendal Museum aimed at 6th form students and those thinking of applying to university for courses in archaeology, natural history or cultural heritage. Working with actual collections, with qualified curators in an accredited museum. On successfully completing the day students will receive a certificate of competence. £25.00 per student.
  Saturday 21st September 09.00 - 17.00
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session. How to keep things from rotting in the museum cupboard (conservation). New members are always welcome.
  Saturday 21st September 10.30 – 12.30
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 25th September 15:00 -15:45
  

October 2013

• The Great Dodo Exhibition continues until the end of the month.
  
  
• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free
  Monday 7th October 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• Wildlife Photographer of Year Exhibition continues in Kendal Museum. See the stunning travelling exhibition of over one hundred images from the new exhibition. Due to the demand of the previous year we have extended the exhibition for another two weeks.
  Until 30th November
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session. How do re-enactors know what they are doing?  Freya will take us into the world of Viking weaponry.
  Saturday 19th October 10.30 – 12.30
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 30th October 15:00 -15:45
  

November 2013

• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free
  Monday 4th November 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, or Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (as she’s also known), the discover of pulsar stars, will be giving a talk at The Box, beside Kendal Museum.  We are holding this event with the local Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Eddington Astronomical Society.
  Thursday 21st November (times and admission price to be confirmed)
  
  
• Wildlife Photographer of Year Exhibition continues in Kendal Museum. See the stunning travelling exhibition of over one hundred images from the new exhibition. Due to the demand of the previous year we have extended the exhibition for another two weeks.
  Until 30th November
  
  
• ‘Polar Post’ it’s that time of year again when our very own Mr Polar Bear will magically deliver your letters to Santa. Santa will then write a personal reply to all the letters sent to him. £1.00 per letter, includes a selected small toy with personal letter.
  23rd November – 21st December
  
  
• Young Archaeologists’ Club. 8 – 16 years, to join please contact museum. £3.00 a session. Our archaeological feast inspired by a range of excavation techniques.  Muddy cross section cake – yum!
  Saturday 23rd November 10.30 – 12.30
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 27th November 15:00 -15:45
  

December 2013

• Eddington Astronomical Society of Kendal meeting at museum. All welcome, first meeting for new members free.
  Monday 2nd December 19:00 – 21: 00
  
  
• Rivers of Ice Exhibition Begins. More information on this exhibition to be posted soon.
  Saturday 7th December – 25th January 2014
  
  
• ‘Polar Post’ it’s that time of year again when our very own Mr Polar Bear will magically deliver your letters to Santa. Santa will then write a personal reply to all the letters sent to him. £1.00 per child, includes a selected small toy with personal letter.
  Until 21st December
  
  
• Tour, Talk and Cream Tea. A Tour of Kendal Museum at 15.00, followed by a Talk focusing on a specific collection. Then at 16:00 a cream tea at the Castle Dairy. £8.00. Booking essential.
  Wednesday 18th December 15:00 -15:45
  

Torchlight Tours

See Natural History from a new perspective!

Walk with the curator and explore gems of our collection in a magical and exciting way. Read more…

Please note, unfortunately the temporary exhibition area and the Lake District Natural History Gallery are not accessible to wheelchair users.