The Beany

The Beaney is a museum housed in a Grade II listed building featuring Tudor Revival architecture, with focus on artworks, historical objects, and cultural collections. The house contains multiple exhibition spaces showcasing different periods and artistic styles.

The museum was founded in 1899 when Dr. James George Beaney made a generous donation to establish a cultural institution. Its creation built on earlier efforts to promote knowledge and the arts that traced back to the 1800s.

The house displays works by local artists and objects that shaped life in Canterbury across different periods. Visitors can see how these pieces reflect the artistic spirit and craft traditions of the area.

The museum sits near the railway station and is easily accessible on most days with regular opening hours across weekdays and weekends. Access to the building and its collections is straightforward for visitors arriving on foot.

The museum holds a medieval brass instrument once used in important city gatherings and representing centuries of local tradition. This object tells a different story than typical art collections and connects visitors to the civic rituals of the past.

Location: Canterbury

Inception: 1899

Architectural style: Tudor Revival architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Part of: Canterbury Museums and Galleries

Address: High Street, Canterbury CT1 2JE

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00; Sunday 11:00-16:00

Phone: +441227862162

Email: beaney@canterbury.gov.uk

Website: https://canterburymuseums.co.uk/the-beaney

GPS coordinates: 51.27967,1.07928

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44