Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service

Journey through thousands of years of history

A visit to Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service takes you through some of the most important events in history. You can explore so much in our six fantastic museums.

The beautiful Ipswich Museum is a FREE of charge museum and is only a five minute walk from
Ipswich town centre. Here you can discover life in Roman Suffolk, find out about the Anglo-Saxon
origins of Ipswich and much more.

You can see fascinating artefacts from Africa, Asia and North America in the mankind gallery and discover more about the fossils, rocks and minerals in our region.

The Victorian Natural History Gallery boasts wildlife from all over the world. In this part of the museum you can see favourites including a woolly mammoth, a rhino, a giraffe and much more!

You can discover Ipswich’s historic past in the enchanting Christchurch Mansion, which offers FREE admission and is only a few minutes walk from Ipswich Museum on the High Street.

This beautiful mansion has so much to see and enjoy, including the largest collection of original Constable paintings outside of London. Lovers of art can also enjoy original Gainsborough
pieces and a collection of art from local artists.

You can also see beautiful period rooms from the Georgian saloon to the Victorian wing with its displays of children’s toys and doll’s houses.

Don’t forget that as well as enjoying these two beautiful museums free of charge you can visit Colchester and enjoy Hollytrees Museum, Natural History Museum and Tymperleys Clock Museum free of charge too! Plus, don’t miss a visit to the richly historic Colchester Castle, for which an admission fee applies.



Throughout the year there is an exciting events and exhibitions programme across all of our museums. Why not join our events mailing list? Call 01206 282938 to join the list today.

To find out more click this link for the Ipswich museum or click this link for Colchester museum
For all general enquiries please call the Museum Resource Centre on 01206 282931 or write to:

Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
Museum Resource Centre
14 Ryegate Road
Colchester
Essex
CO1 1YG

Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
Our vision is to create a museum service that is a source of pride, inspiration and fun