Temporary exhibitions and events
Family fun at two Island Museums this May Half Term
Looking for something fun and affordable to do with the family this May Half Term?
Two of the Isle of Wight’s museums are offering hands-on activities for just £1 per person - no booking required!
Museum of Island History – Anglo-Saxon Runes
Date: Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 May 2025
Time: 10am to 1pm
Get creative with history! you can make your own bracelet or bedroom door sign using Anglo-Saxon runes, and decorate them using patterns inspired by amazing artefacts found on the Isle of Wight.
There’s also a museum trail to explore, with fascinating treasures currently on display and objects from prehistory to the modern day.
Newport Roman Villa – Crazy Catapults
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 10am to 2pm
Build your own working catapult and learn lots about the mighty Roman army! There’s also a picture hunt around the villa ruins for you to complete.
Plus you will have access to the whole site throughout the event, allowing you to explore the historic ruins, museum displays and garden.
On these special days there’s no need to book - all activities and museum entry costs just £1 per person at each museum site.
Heritage events throughout the year
The Heritage service holds many community days at its sites. These include
- free and reduced entry days
- activities, talks and tours
- heritage open days
- the Festival of Archaeology
- the Family Learning Festival
Heritage service staff may also be able to assist with your event with a museum themed display, talk or activity.
Contact us or follow us on our social media channels.
Contact our Exhibitions and Museums Officer
- call 01983 823433
- email museums@iow.gov.uk
Museum loans and displays
Cowes Maritime Museum has an exhibition area that allows a changing display of images from the maritime collection.
The Museum of Island History has an exhibition about the history of Newport and its shops.
Library displays
The libraries at Ventnor, Ryde and Newport (Lord Louis Library) have a display screen for slideshows and a small case for changing displays. These are changed regularly and are available for community lead or partnership exhibitions.
Loan of museum material
The Heritage service loans many artefacts to other organisations to allow these items to be enjoyed by as many people as possible. Whether museum material can be loaned depends on the needs of each object. Museum staff can arrange a visit to discuss possible loans and the requirements for the items concerned, such as security and environmental conditions.
If we cannot loan you the original artefact, we may be able to provide photographs, images or replicas to supplement your display.
What does the Heritage service do?
The Heritage service cares for a large collection of artefacts and images relating to the history of the Isle of Wight.
The collection is displayed within our three museums and every opportunity is taken to make them available more widely through temporary exhibitions and loans to other organisations.
