Activities for Adults and Lifelong Learning

The Beaney Art Museum and Library provides a wealth of learning resources and activities for adults in an inspirational environment from free taster sessions, popular lectures and lunchtime talks to Sunday strolls, guided tours and object-based reminiscence sessions. Specialist artist-led workshops inspired by the collections are also available in the Learning Lab and provide a wonderful opportunity to get in touch with your creative side, learn new skills and make friends.  

To find out more about events at the Beaney Art Museum and Library visit the What's on page.

Guided tours
Take part in a highlights tour of the Beaney including stories about key artworks, artefacts and colourful characters. £60 for a 60 minute tour for a group of up to 30 people. For further information contact the Beaney Art Museum adn Library on 01227 378 100.

Special exhibitions - talks and gallery tours
Artist and curator-led talks and gallery tours provide a fascinating insight into some of the Beaney’s special exhibitions. For further details please contact the Beaney Art Museum and Library on 01227 378100.

Curator talks
Enjoy a special talk or tour by a member of the curatorial team, or local expert. Subjects include art, sculpture, archaeology, famous characters and collectors, and the architecture and history of the building. £100 for a group of up to 30 people. Phone 01227 378100 for further details.

Bitesize Beaney - Wednesday lunchtime talks
Pop in to the Beaney between 1.15pm and 1.30pm, to enjoy a ‘bitesize’ talk about a key object or painting. Leaving plenty of time for something to eat and drink in the café. Free entry. Advance booking. Phone 01227 378100 for details of forthcoming talks, and to book.

Popular Lectures
Sign up for one of the Beaney’s popular lectures which take place once a month early on a Thursday evening. These are one hour illustrated talks inspired by the building, its collections and Canterbury’s rich heritage. Not overly academic, and including a glass of fizz! £6 per person.

Sunday Strolls
Work off your Sunday lunch with a gentle stroll around the Beaney. Find out about art, collections, conservation and a host of other fascinating subjects led by an expert guide. Once a month at 2.30pm.

Regular special events
See the Beaney 'What’s On' guide for a busy programme of activities run in partnership with local artists, craftspeople and special interest groups - from the ever popular Fossil Roadshow and Antiques, Archaeology and Collectables days, to the Artisan craft market in the Front Room.

Free taster sessions and workshops
From drawing and painting, to sculpture and creative writing - join a free taster session at the Beaney led by a tutor from Canterbury Adult Education Centre. For details of forthcoming sessions and booking details see the Beaney What’s On page. In partnership with Canterbury Adult Education Centre.

Beaney without walls
If you are unable to visit the Beaney, we may be able to come to you to give talks, and deliver reminiscence and object handling sessions in community venues. Please contact the Beaney learning team on 01227 475204 for details.

Volunteering opportunities
If you have a special interest or enthusiasm, why not get involved? We have lots of volunteering opportunities available for adults. Please get in touch or visit our Volunteering page for more details. We would be delighted to hear from you.