The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Free of Charge - Open to All and staffed by our team of volunteers. Located in the heart of Canterbury's tourist route, close to the Westgate Towers and a five minute stroll from the Cathedral. After a long period of closure - we're back !! If you are planning to visit us, then please let us know in advance if you can via the [Contact Us] link in our web site at: https://kentmuseumoffreemasonry.org.uk/contact-us/ This will help us ensure we have enough volunteers on site to ensure you enjoy your visit. Entrance is free of charge, although voluntary donations are welcomed. The Kent Museum of Freemasonry boasts a rare collection of exhibits of national and international importance. Its collection of Masonic material is one of the finest in the UK outside London, including an ancient Egyptian Maul, The Museum is an Accredited Museum, meeting the standards of the Arts Council on collection care, museum management and the provision of information and services to visitors.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
164 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
44
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Michael A
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Friends
Great Museum, learned a lot.
Would recommend it to everyone who doesn't have a clue what freemason is. Check it out. And its for free so u have nothing to lose
Would recommend it to everyone who doesn't have a clue what freemason is. Check it out. And its for free so u have nothing to lose
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sibar500
Canterbury, UK14 contributions
Dec 2022
Went in, as was surprised to see the museum was open. Would have liked to read the information boards and look around the museum, but three volunteer guides approached to talk, so I eventually left without seeing more than one information board. One volunteer was fairly interesting. Another one definitely needs some training on how to deal politely with visitors. Not sure that I will return.
I expect that the museum is very interesting, I am only commenting on my visit.
I expect that the museum is very interesting, I am only commenting on my visit.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sgt_Wilson
Norfolk, UK91 contributions
Oct 2022
After finding this museum on Tripadvisor and the good reviews it had received, we thought that we would pay a visit to hopefully enlighten ourselves about the subject of the Freemasons.
We were greeted by two friendly gentlemen who introduced us to the museum and set us our path of enlightenment.
As other reviewers have said, there are lots of information boards to read and plenty of exhibits on display. However, we came away with a number of questions and felt that there needed to be a bit more entry level, back to basics information at the start before heading into the main thrust of the museum.
There really needed to be a section which was headed 'dispelling the myths', ie. What’s with the funny handshakes or trouser legs, is it just for men, etc. All so that the air of secrecy that the group seems to have is lifted.
If you have a spare 45 minutes and want a quirky experience, then this would be an ideal place to visit.
All in all fairly interesting.
We were greeted by two friendly gentlemen who introduced us to the museum and set us our path of enlightenment.
As other reviewers have said, there are lots of information boards to read and plenty of exhibits on display. However, we came away with a number of questions and felt that there needed to be a bit more entry level, back to basics information at the start before heading into the main thrust of the museum.
There really needed to be a section which was headed 'dispelling the myths', ie. What’s with the funny handshakes or trouser legs, is it just for men, etc. All so that the air of secrecy that the group seems to have is lifted.
If you have a spare 45 minutes and want a quirky experience, then this would be an ideal place to visit.
All in all fairly interesting.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Whamond
Whitstable, UK66 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Visited today and found it open, trip advisor said it was closed, shame it is an enlightening experience would recommend all to visit
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
malc1005
Kettering, UK4,233 contributions
Nov 2021
A lovely little gem, that you can easy walk past, if you don't see it, the museum itself is well worth a visit .
Written November 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul B
Broadstairs, UK12 contributions
Feb 2021
What an interesting place with really helpful staff. I was completely unaware of the the background to the Masons and the Royals role in their history plus the extraordinary amount of good works they do
Written May 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris-RHC
Dartford, UK17 contributions
Jan 2020
I had not visited here for a few years but was pleasantly surprised by the progress being made in refurbishing the exhibits and information contained therein. Being a Kent Freemason myself since 1996 (in both East and West Kent) it's always so nice to visit here and look around the vast assortment of, and some rare, pieces on display.
This is a most interesting place where you can get away from the busy atmosphere of the City. Inside, you can quietly contemplate on an extremely interesting history of over 300 years about one of society's most prolific Fraternities. Being one of this country's largest donating organisations to Charities nationwide, now in recent years only superseded by the National Lottery, the history of Freemasonry is a fascinating topic of research to Masons and non-Masons alike.
I can't recommend an hour or two here highly enough, so if you're visiting Canterbury, make time to come in and look around.
W. Bro. C. R. H. P.P.S.G.D.
Erclei Lodge No. 7436
This is a most interesting place where you can get away from the busy atmosphere of the City. Inside, you can quietly contemplate on an extremely interesting history of over 300 years about one of society's most prolific Fraternities. Being one of this country's largest donating organisations to Charities nationwide, now in recent years only superseded by the National Lottery, the history of Freemasonry is a fascinating topic of research to Masons and non-Masons alike.
I can't recommend an hour or two here highly enough, so if you're visiting Canterbury, make time to come in and look around.
W. Bro. C. R. H. P.P.S.G.D.
Erclei Lodge No. 7436
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Chris. Glad that you like the changes that we have made.
Written May 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil M
Ashford, UK1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Friends
Fantastic little jem hidden at the far end of the High Street, really informative staff who were only too happy to help explain the exhibits.
Probably not suited to kids but for grown ups with an interest it's brilliant.
Probably not suited to kids but for grown ups with an interest it's brilliant.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your kind review Phil. Glad that you enjoyed your trip.
We try to cater for all ages and even have a children's corner and often welcome school parties.
Written January 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
maryanne m
Canterbury, UK253 contributions
Sep 2019
The museum is situated round the corner from the end of the High Street. It was manned by two old gentlemen who showed me around and answered my questions. I only popped in because it was free and I wasn't busy but I found it interesting.
Written December 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks fr dropping in on an impromptu visit. Please come back again.
Written May 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Geoff H
Cranbrook, UK12,315 contributions
Nov 2019
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry was opened on 19 April 1933 in a purpose-built structure to house the historic Masonic artefacts acquired, over the years, by Kent lodges since Canterbury's first lodge began meeting in 1730. The Museum is a hidden treasure of exhibits of Masonic national and international importance. The exhibits are all well explained along with information boards giving information regarding Masonry in general and Kent Freemasonry in particular. Open to all, there is no charge for entry (although voluntary donations are welcomed). The Museum is open from 10am to 4pm but, as it is staffed by very friendly well-informed volunteers (who will probably be able to answer any questions you may have), if you are visiting from a distance it is probably best to give them a ring before setting off, just to make sure the Museum is open. If you ever wanted to know just what is Freemasonry, then this is the place to visit.
Written November 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeremy BR
Didcot, UK31 contributions
What is the surprising meaning or significance of special4christopher's Masonic ring, please?
RobEvans_11
Canterbury, UK69 contributions
Hi,
Please could you expand on your question a little.
Many Thanks
Rob
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry (Canterbury) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Kent Museum of Freemasonry
- The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near The Kent Museum of Freemasonry:
- (0.02 mi) Charming grade 2 listed house
- (0.03 mi) Westgate Cottage
- (0.07 mi) The Falstaff Hotel, Canterbury
- (0.09 mi) Travelodge St. Albans City Centre
- (0.14 mi) House of Agnes
- Restaurants near The Kent Museum of Freemasonry:
- (0.02 mi) Ocakbasi of Kent
- (0.03 mi) Maria's
- (0.03 mi) The Saffa Bru At The Black Griffin
- (0.04 mi) The Black Griffin
- (0.09 mi) The Refectory Kitchen