The Cowper and Newton Museum

03/09/2026

'Sip & Paint' - A Celebration Exhibition
Three Hares Gallery, 4th August - 26th September

Some of you may have seen recently some of the ‘Something Less Boring’ event postings. The SLB team provide enjoyable online, and in person, art classes in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area - in pubs and cafes.

This great, exciting, eclectic, colourful and joyful exhibition has now been extended until 26th September – and is a celebration of some fabulous work from their 'Sip & Paint' classes.

Entry to the exhibition at the Three Hares Gallery @ the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney MK46 4AJ is free.

This new exhibition runs Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4th August to 26th September, 11am to 4.30pm.

Find out more at www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk

28/08/2026

🎒✏️ Kids going back to school? 📚

Pencil cases need filling? We’ve got you covered! 😍

✏️ Pencil
🧽 Eraser
🔪 Pencil sharpener
📓 Little notebook

ALL FOR JUST £2! 🎉

Pop in and grab a handy little back-to-school bundle while stocks last! 🛍️💙

23/08/2026

Check out the family on William's family tree in the Hall next time you visit.

14/08/2026

Looking forward to seeing you in a out an hour 😀

This Friday we Delve into newly discovered histories of Olney in the 1600s

Much of the life of the people of 1500s and 1600s Olney has not been told. However, now that documents hidden in archives across the country are more easily accessed, amazing histories and mysteries have come to light.

Join us to hear about:

How Olney traders solved the problem of England’s serious shortage of small change by producing their own tokens
Mapping Olney in the 13th Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth – discoveries from a survey hidden in Staffordshire Archive
Selling off manors, establishing the Baptist church, what happened to Olney during the Commonwealth

Location: Summer Marquee in the Summer House Garden @ the Cowper & Newton Museum

Time: (7-9) Doors open at 7.00, talk starts at 7.15, interval for refreshments, talks finish approx. 8.45 with time for Q&A)

This talk is free but donations towards the development of the Olney & District History Society website gratefully received www.mkheritage.org.uk/odhs

Drinks available

Do feel free to being a cushion for the chairs, or your own low back chair

Your speakers are:

Geoff Swindells – Trustee Cowper & Newton Museum, member of the Buckinghamshire Family History Society, family history support at Buckinghamshire Archives. Geoff has been researching and collecting 17th century trade tokens for over 40 years and has been told he really must publish his findings. He will share stories of some of the notable 17th century Olney shopkeepers who issued tokens.

Amanda Molcher – Trustee Cowper & Newton Museum, retired History teacher. Amanda is currently mining historical documents to uncover new histories and solve mysteries of Olney’s history in the 1500s and 1600s. She also posts short Olney histories on the Museum’s Olney History Hub Facebook group.

12/08/2026

Refreshments in the Courtyard
TOMORROW! Thursday 13th August 10:30am -12pm

Welcome to ‘Refreshments in the Courtyard’! It's going to be another gorgeous morning! This enjoyable, relaxing event takes place every other Thursday morning during the summertime (see website for all this year’s dates). Delicious homemade cakes, a choice of tea, coffee, specialty tea or juice and a relaxing stroll around our beautiful 18th century, tranquil gardens – ALL FOR ONLY £6.00. Great value! FREE ENTRY to the gardens: While away your time in the peace and tranquility. A perfect place to meet up with your friends and family – there’s something for everyone! AND….every Thursday is ‘Market Day’ in Olney. No need to book in advance – just purchase your refreshments ticket in our Shop.

Extend your visit!
If you would like to make the most of your time here to see inside the Museum too, please purchase your admission pass in our Shop for only £12. Our super volunteers are ready to welcome you. An your admission pass is also an ‘annual pass’ which means you come back to see the museum and gardens anytime during normal opening hours throughout the year using your pass.

11/08/2026

UPDATE!!!!
🌿🎨 **Nature Crafts with Pat!** 🎨🌿
Wednesday 12th August 2026
NOW 11am-12:30 due to the afternoon heat (was 1:30pm til 3pm)
Drop in anytime between these hours but must book in advance

Looking for a fun, creative activity for the children this summer? Join our wonderful volunteer **Pat** for a hands-on nature crafts session in our beautiful gardens!

Children can choose from a range of nature-inspired projects, including:
🍃 Making colourful twig hanging decorations
🖌️ Creating nature paintbrushes to make their own artwork
🦋 Designing flapping twig butterflies
🐞 Decorating a garden pot stick with a leafy insect of their own invention

There are **10 places available**, so early booking is recommended!

📍 Sessions take place under the Veranda in the Courtyard or in the Summer House Marquee.

Why not bring a picnic and enjoy the gardens beforehand? Families can also explore our children's trails, including two free trails and an educational trail for just £1.

💷 **Cost:** £2 per child. Usual adult admission applies (£4 garden entry, annual pass holders free, or purchase a museum and gardens ticket, which also becomes an annual pass).

👨‍👩‍👧 Children must be accompanied by an adult.

📧 **Book in advance:** [email protected]
📞 **Call:** 01234 711516
🛍️ Or book in the Museum Shop.

We can't wait to see what your young creators make! 🌼✨