Huguenot Museum
With a National Art Pass you get
The first and only museum of Huguenot history in the country, the Huguenot Museum in Rochester tells an important story of Britain's first refugees.
The museum was established in 2014, initiated by its sister charity the French Hospital, which provides care for Huguenot descendants, to convey the compelling story of the Huguenots, a French Protestant group who faced persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries. Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum sheds light on their flight to Britain, their integration into society, and their lasting impact on the nation's cultural fabric.
Huguenot skills
The museum boasts a rich collection, including artefacts like oil paintings, silverware, personal belongings, and even silk samples. The Huguenots' impressive skills in craftsmanship and artistry are explored through craft workshops at the museum, from French knitting to medicine making, weaving to botanical drawing.
Ancestry
Informative exhibits detail the reasons behind the Huguenot persecution, their perilous journeys, and their contributions to British society. The museum also houses a collection of resources for those interested in researching their Huguenot ancestry.
Did you know?
The word refugee originated from the French réfugié which referred to Protestants who fled France following the revocation in 1685 of the Edict of Nantes, the law that granted religious liberty and civil rights to the Protestant Huguenots for nearly a century.
Other attractions in the area include Restoration House in Rochester, and The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Visitor information
Address
95 High Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1LX
01634 789347
Opening times
Tuesday - Saturday 11am-4pm (last entry 3pm)
Closed Monday and Sunday
Exclusions and safety measures
Please check our website for up to date opening information which may be subject to change.
