Join us to celebrate the launch of our new museum exhibition The World’s Mine Oyster: Art, Nature and Collecting the Globe.
Visit on opening Saturday to dive headfirst into history with our day of free activities – including tours for kids, a ‘make your own portrait’ photo wall, and the chance to create your own Tudor or Jacobean ruff from paper!
Our museum shows artwork and objects from The Portland Collection, built up by the Cavendish family and their descendants over 400 years. Visit our new display to discover extraordinary objects and fascinating stories. See silver, tapestry, paintings and jewels, plus returning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.
Museum Tales
Free, 10am and 2pm
Join us at 10am and 2pm for family-friendly tours of the museum with Harley Foundation Director Bryony Bond. On these 30 minute tours of the museum, families will learn about some of the coolest items in the collection – from the gory story of Charles I’s pearl earring, to our portrait of Margaret Cavendish – a trailblazing scientist, philosopher and the first ever science fiction writer!
Cut-Out Costumes
Free, drop in between 1pm and 3pm.
Take inspiration from our historic portraits and cut, join and fold paper, to create your own Tudor or Jacobean ruff. A member of our friendly education team will be on hand to guide you through the process of creating a costume fit for a King (or Queen!).
Make Your Own Portrait
Free, drop in all day, every day.
Did you know there is a secret language of portraits? The clothes a person wears, the objects they are holding, even the animals beside them – these all tell us something about the person in the painting. Have a look at the portraits on our activity wall, then create your own photo with our props – what symbols will you choose to include in your photo?
