Harlow Museum

28/05/2026

Throwback to 70 years ago, when the 6,000th house was occupied in the New Town.

This article, from Harlow Citizen, 27th May 1955, shows Mr and Mrs Britaine collecting the keys to their new home, at Parsonage Leys from Mr Duncan Sandys, Minister for Housing and Local Government.

In congratulating the Development Corporation Sandys said:

"I know how much has been due to the drive and energy and experience of your chairman and I am quite sure that it has been a team job because you don't achieve this except by the fine work and cooperation of all elements concerned. You are going ahead here in some ways more quickly than any other new town in the country."

He also praised the rate of building, calling the 2,000 houses a year "a fine achievement", and was pleased that some 20,000 people had been provided housing so far.

26/05/2026

Only four more sleeps until our Enchanted Garden…it’s not too late to get your ticket!

Book today: bit.ly/HMEnchantedGarden 🧚🍄🌿

For more information visit our website, event in partnership with

26/05/2026

A big thank you to all who came down to our Create with Clay sessions at the Museum today!

Don’t miss out on another fun filled day this half term at Harlow Museum, pop along on Thursday, 28th May to Paint the Garden.

Spend the morning or afternoon getting creative with paints and using the Walled Gardens as your inspiration.

Free, drop in sessions for all ages, 10am - 12pm and 1 - 3pm

23/05/2026

Our new display, "Pedals, Puzzles and Play" is up!

From Romans to Edwardians, wood to plastic, toys have been a part of all of our lives.

Come and see highlights from our collection and share your memories of playing in Harlow. Then why not take a stroll round our beautiful Walled Gardens?

⏰️ Open 9:30am - 3:30pm (last entry 3pm)

📆 Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday

💰 Free

🚗 🚲 Car and bicycle parking at the rear

16/05/2026

Congratulations to our colleagues, past and present, at Pets Corner who are celebrating their 60th birthday this weekend.

We love visiting the animals, and you can see in these photos from our collection, that many generations of Harlow residents have too!

Spotted yourself or someone you know, why not tag them in the comments?

13/05/2026

Glorious Gardens: Half Term Fun at Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens

This Summer Half Term unleash your creativity... sculpt clay insects, paint vibrant summer blooms and explore the Walled Gardens.

🐞 Tues 26 May - Create with Clay
Sculpt your own clay creatures inspired by the real life bugs that live in our garden.

Morning Session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon Session: 1pm - 3pm
£2 per child, pay on the door

🎨 Thurs 28 May - Paint the Garden
The flowers are coming out in the museum’s garden, ready to inspire your artwork.

Morning Session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon Session: 1pm - 3pm
FREE, drop in, for all ages

Join us for fun, hands-on art for everyone. To find out more visit: www.harlowmuseum.com

13/05/2026

Creatures big and small are getting ready for Harlow Museum’s Enchanted Garden… have you got your ticket yet?

Get your ticket today: bit.ly/HMEnchantedGarden

In partnership with Plant Pots and Wellies

12/05/2026

Calling all Harlow Poets!

Are you a poet with a connection to Harlow? We want to hear your voice!

We are looking for local poets to join the Essex Book Festival for a special performance at Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens.

This event takes place on Saturday 27th June 2026, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM and will be hosted by Rebecca Leek, the voice behind the Ditty Bag poetry podcast.

This is a fantastic opportunity to share your work alongside a professional podcast host and fellow creatives. The successful applicant will join Rebecca on stage to read two original poems as well as one poem by another author that has influenced their writing journey. A performance fee of £50 will be paid to the participating poet for their time and contribution.

Please note that the deadline for applications is May 31st, 2026. We will contact the successful poet by June 7th, and all other applicants will receive an update by June 10th.

Don’t miss this chance apply today - bit.ly/PoetCallout !

12/05/2026

Happy from Harlow Museum!

This photo captures a nurse with mothers and toddlers at Keats House in 1965.

Do you have any memories of Keats House or a local nurse who looked after your family? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

12/05/2026

Click the link to get your tickets for Harlow Museum's Enchanted Garden today! bit.ly/HMEnchantedGarden

Dragon teeth are being collected ready for the enchanted garden event at Harlow Museum!
Get your tickets before they are sold out!

11/05/2026

The 2026 Essex Book Festival returns for storytelling and art across two beautiful venues in Harlow!

Saturday 27 June
Harlow Museum
Join us for writing workshops and author talks with Syd Moore, plus free family activities and a poetry showcase with Rebecca Leek.

Sunday 28 June
The Gibberd Garden
Spend the afternoon exploring 1950s bohemia and trailblazing art with Maggi Hambling and Darren Coffield.

Find full event details and book your tickets today at essexbookfestival.org.uk or call 01206 573948