East Grinstead Museum is situated in a purpose built building in the centre of the town, only a few minutes from the historic High Street, the Museum tells the story of East Grinstead and the surrounding area from its early beginnings to the present day.
WHERE ARE WE
Old Market Yard
Cantelupe Road
East Grinstead
West Sussex RH19 3BJ
t: 01342 302233
e: info@eastgrinsteadmuseum.org.uk
Opening Times:
Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm
Free Admission
Facilities:
Wheelchair accessible display areas and toilet.
Designated parking space for disabled motorists.
Car Park:
Please note that our car park requires a permit to park in. Temporary permits are available from the Welcome Desk.
GET IN TOUCHDONATE TO OUR MUSEUM
OUR MUSEUM
Built with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and money raised by the local community, East Grinstead Museum invites you to discover the old market town and surrounding area.
The town’s first museum opened in March 1926 in the St Swithun’s Church tower under the care of the then vicar, the Reverend Golding Golding-Bird. His collection began with a set of grappling irons, stored at the Church for accessibility. The interest they sparked gave him the idea of a town museum. Its collection was small but included photographs, paintings, tokens and First World War objects, amongst others.
FIND OUT MOREWhat our Visitors say
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A hidden gem of a museum, highly recommended
John Paul -
Very pleasantly surprised. Tells the story of a pioneering WWII burns hospital.
Tom Mudd -
East Grinstead Museum traces the history of the town and surrounding area through displays and technology. There are facilities for research and a children’s activity corner, as well as regular exhibitions, events and activities. Open Wed to Sat 10am to 4pm and Sundays 1 to 4pm. Free admission.
Roy Henderson -
This museum is really interesting. It has lots of information of local history (of course), but it also displays historical medical equipment that was used in previous years. Very welcoming staff and is actually a lovely place to go.
Georg Phillip Telemann -
Amazing history within the town. Definitely worth a visit, whether you are local or not.
James Akehurst -
My kids want to visit every museum now Tour guide Fran was funny, engaging, and full of fun quirky facts about the local area..
Hannah Hunter -
Cannot say enough about the East Grinstead Museum experience: fun, informative, never dull, fast paced and just give an amazing perspective on the town.
Ruth Lawson -
Loved the tour! This was one of the main reasons I chose to visit East Grinstead Museum.
Teresa Barrett
OUR COLLECTIONS

Our object collection includes a range of objects relating to the town of East Grinstead and the surrounding villages.
SEE OUR OBJECTS COLLECTION
Our image collection includes scenes and pictorial records depicting East Grinstead through the ages.
SEE OUR IMAGES COLLECTION
Our archive collection includes documents relating to local businesses, the town’s people and buildings.
SEE OUR ARCHIVES COLLECTION
The Queen Victoria Hospital collection has local significance and includes objects, archives, books and images.
SEE OUR QVH COLLECTIONUpcoming Events & Activities
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
History of Our Town
East Grinstead has a long history, from the Medieval period to the present day. Set…
Rebuilding Bodies and Souls
Our ‘Rebuilding Bodies and Souls’ flagship exhibition opened in 2016, the 75th anniversary year of…
LATEST NEWS
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10 Aug
Sister Meally – Ward Sister on Ward III – Queen Victoria Hospital – 2nd World War
READ MOREArchibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon of the Second World War operated on hundreds of burnt airmen and Sister Mary Meally helped run Ward III,
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24 Nov
Dr. Russell Davies – Anaesthetist for Archibald McIndoe – Founder Member of Guinea Pig Club
READ MORERussell Davies (Third from Left) with all the founding members of the Guinea Pig Club July 1941 During WW2 he was a vital member of
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10 Nov
Matron Jackson – Canadian Wing, Queen Victoria Hospital – WW2
READ MOREDuring World War Two Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon, treated burnt airman at the Queen Victoria Hospital(Q.V.H.) East Grinstead. Working alongside him was an
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10 Nov
Edward Blacksell – Welfare and Rehabilitation Officer – Guinea Pig Club
READ MOREEdward Blacksell, or Blackie, as he was normally known, played an important role assisting Archibald McIndoe’s work with the Guinea Pig Club at the Queen