Canterbury Library was the first publicly funded library in Great Britain, through innovative interpretation of the Museums Act 1845 for provision of a museum of arts and science. It is now part of a large network of public libraries managed by Kent County Council
The Front Room is a dynamic and collaborative temporary exhibition space. The gallery provides the opportunity for community generated exhibitions to be displayed and celebrated and for emerging and established artists, art, craft and community groups (including schools and colleges) to showcase and sell their work.
Situated on the first floor of The Beaney our Explorers & Collectors gallery provides the ideal environment to entertain and inspire. Available in Theatre Style or Standing Reception, this flagship gallery features fascinating finds from Ancient Egypt and Anglo-Saxon Kent; Ancient Greek Art and objects brought back from travels across Asia, Africa, India and South America.
We are always keen to work with volunteers, both at The Beaney and across our other museums in the city. Volunteering is an excellent way to learn new skills and meet new people whether you are interested in getting into a career in museums, or would just like to help out.
August 07, 2015
Gary Studley is currently poet-in-residence at Canterbury Roman Museum. Hello readers and welcome to another great day in the metropolis. Here’s Blog Six. Despite everything the press may try to tell us about how bad life is, the Earth is still approximately the same circumference as ever (about 25,000 miles at the Equator) and the […]
January 22, 2016
Sonia Overall is currently the Resident Armchair Artist at The Beaney in Canterbury. I’m a frequent visitor of the Beaney collections, often notebook in hand. On my first residency visit, I returned to some items that have caused me to pause, ponder and want to scribble: three small Anglo-Saxon gaming counters. Objects associated with gaming can […]
November 29, 2016
The latest blog from Daniel Tollady, Resident Armchair Artist at The Beaney in Canterbury. To coincide with Grayson Perry’s exhibition The Vanity of Small Differences, the Beaney launched their Cabinet of Small Differences as a companion piece that questions the role of objects and consumerism in today’s society. The cabinet showcases artefacts from a bygone age […]
March 17, 2016
In the 17th Century a device was invented to transform the projection of light into incredible shows which took people’s breath away. This device was the magic lantern. For many people it was the first time they saw projected moving images – what a spectacle it must have been! Aware of their enchanting effect, these […]
January 31, 2024
On Saturday 10 February we will be throwing a 50th birthday party for Bagpuss at The Beaney! There will be light refreshments and a chance to meet the saggy old cloth-cat himself. Want to join the party? Limited invitations are available to those entering a draw. To enter, please email Beaney@canterbury.gov.uk and tell us why […]
February 07, 2019
Canterbury Museums and Galleries are interested in exploring the benefits of arts and heritage on people’s health and wellbeing! Over the past 5 years, the Museums’ team have been trialling various creative interventions in order to understand how a Museum can offer unique experiences to support healthier and happier lifestyles. This work has been recognized […]
