Kingston Museum

Founded in 1904 with the help of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the museum sheds light on the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, from prehistoric times to the present day.

Permanent collection

Kingston Museum showcases its permanent collection through three core exhibitions. Ancient Origins takes visitors on a fascinating exploration of the area's earliest inhabitants, delving into archaeological finds and artefacts that tell the story of Kingston's prehistoric and Anglo-Saxon roots. Town of Kings charts the borough's development as a bustling market town, with displays highlighting its medieval character and its evolution through the centuries. Kingston was the coronation site of at least three Saxon kings, Athelstan in 925, Edred in 946 and Ethelred the Unready in 979.

Pioneering photographer

The third permanent exhibition highlights the work and personal collection of Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneer in motion pictures, who was born and died in Kingston, via North America. The Muybridge Collection consists of around 2,500 glass lantern slides, 67 unique glass zoopraxiscope discs and a rare panorama of San Francisco taken in 1878. His collection is a must-see for visitors with an interest in art, science, or entertainment.

Temporary exhibitions

Beyond the permanent displays, Kingston Museum has a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions. Additionally, it offers a calendar of talks, workshops, and events, making it a hub of cultural activity. The community display case is available to Royal Borough of Kingston’s residents, artists, makers, community groups and local schools to showcase their own collections.