Coronavirus (COVID-19)
From Thursday 19th March all of Colchester Borough Council’s building are to be closed to the public, as part of the steps to combat the spread of COVID-19. As a result, Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the Natural History Museum will be closed for the foreseeable future. This decision follows the advice from the Government on mass gatherings and around self-isolation, which will have an impact on the levels of council employees available to staff the venues.
The council will be reviewing these closures on at least a weekly basis and will look to reopen them as soon as possible within Government guidelines regarding COVID-19.
Click here for the latest news on the council’s work to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Click here for the latest public health guidance visit
Welcome
Did you know that there was an earthquake in Colchester in 1884? Or that mammoths and hippos used to roam this area?
Find out more about local wildlife habitats, biodiversity and climate change at this much-loved, family-friendly museum. Get up close to nature as you learn about stag beetles – a Colchester success story – and discover the secrets of the drowned world underneath the North Sea.
What You Can See
Colchester Museums was a winner in the 2019 Hoop Awards, scooping Best Holiday Workshops in Essex!
See What's On and come experience our range of family-friendly activities for yourself!
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
Opening Times
Tuesday – Saturday
10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday
11.00am – 5.00pm
Shop
Our museum shop offers a wide range of products, from craft kits for children to precious stones and fossils, cuddly toys to tools for nature-spotters. Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.
Access
Every effort has been made to make the Natural History Museum a great place to visit for everybody.
If you have any access queries please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Facilities include:
