Sir Max Aitken Museum
Sir Max Aitken Museum
4.5
About
This magnificent 18th century, Ratsey and Lapthorn sail maker’s loft, was acquired and restored by Sir Max Aitken in 1947. Today, with its traditional splendour, the building boasts Sir Max’s personal collection of historic and nautical artefacts, and is open to the public during the summer months. The Museum is also available to rent for private lunches, dinners or meetings all year round.
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4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
45
Very good
9
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Michael R
Market Harborough, UK204 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Having been visiting West Cowes for over 40 years I had promised myself a visit to the Sir Max. Aitken Museum. On a damp and windy day my wife and I decided that it was the time to look around.
The majority of the exhibits are on the first floor and here is an extensive and interesting well laid out display of all the objects and paintings that the great man had collected during his life.
The majority of the exhibits are on the first floor and here is an extensive and interesting well laid out display of all the objects and paintings that the great man had collected during his life.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith C
Guildford, UK69 contributions
Jul 2023
Disappointingly, having checked opening days and times, the museum was shut on arrival for a private function. We went across the street to the tourist information point to ask if there was anything else we could see in Cowes, and were told it is quite common for the museum to be closed without warning. There is not much else in Cowes (just shops and eateries) so have a back up plan if you are on a day trip and have scheduled this into your itinerary.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda P
17 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This is a small museum on the main street in West Cowes. It is free to enter. The building was originally a sailmaker’s business but was bought by Sir Max to house his collection of artefacts. He was a fascinating man, as documented on the ground floor. Upstairs is a huge room dominated by an enormous table. There is so much to see in there and the two curators were extremely knowledgeable in explaining everything. There are many strange things including a large turtle which we were assured was a male!! Definitely worth a visit.
Written 7 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alimoore51
Woking, UK39 contributions
Sep 2022
Brilliant,
What a beautiful place and filled with lovely items too, set of course within the Charming town of Cowes, a must see place .and it is dog friendly.
What a beautiful place and filled with lovely items too, set of course within the Charming town of Cowes, a must see place .and it is dog friendly.
Written 2 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delighted you enjoyed your visit.
Written 16 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cazzaco
Woking, UK89 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Really interesting quirky museum, only small but set in a spectacular room with a lovely view over Cowes harbour. Stunning paintings & all manner of memorabilia from his life including the speedo from Donald Campbell’s Bluebird, George VII chair from Royal Yacht Britannia, & a croquet set used by Queen Victoria’s children
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan T
8 contributions
Jun 2019
interesting collection,well displayed.Museum is right in the middle of town so is very easy to find, give it a visit
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russ S
Dorking, United Kingdom26 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
The Sir Max Aitken Museum is a little gem of a place in the centre of town. It is not to be missed when visiting Cowes. We hired the venue for a celebration event and it made the most splendid setting for our dinner party. The staff were very helpful and made sure that the terrace was available for pre dinner drinks ahead of the sit down meal. Kate and her team at Angel in the Kitchen provided exceptional catering - beautiful food in beautiful surroundings, beautifully served. We had a wonderful time at The Sir Max Aitken Museum!
Written 27 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NB1957
674 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
This is a wonderful little museum full of the most fascinating and eclectic collection of exhibits. Naturally most of a nautical nature and every exhibit has an interesting story behind it. Sir Max Aitken was a genuine hero and was obviously and quite rightly admired by many. This museum is a real tribute to the man and his achievements, wonderfully curated. Entry is free which is a real bonus.
Written 19 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mprice867
Hailsham, UK203 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
This museum is FREE and open from 1000-1600(May to Sept) Tuesday-Saturday is at 83, High Street.18th Century sail maker's loft filled with hundreds of fascinating historical items .Acquired by Sir Max Aitken in 1947 and has many paintings/artefacts and quite stunning dining table in outstandingly polished condition for 36 people in total comfort-can be hired for all sorts of events .Steps at end of long room gives access to excellent terrace capable of taking 180 people .Stunning views out to sea and all traffic pass by.
Make a point in dropping by and see it all yourselves.
Make a point in dropping by and see it all yourselves.
Written 22 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tora5
Aylesbury, UK33 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
We found this as something to do due to the rain with my cousin and their two young children. It was amazing, the ladies in the museum made it even better with their knowledge pointing out items and explaining to us. Would highly recommend. Took about an hour of the day
Written 16 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingSIR MAX AITKEN MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Max Aitken Museum
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