The museum is constructed around the remains of a Roman villa discovered after a WWII bomb hit the site in 1942.
The Roman hypocaust system visible on-site demonstrates how the ancients circulated hot air beneath floors for central heating.
The 'Dolphin Mosaic' is one of the most prominent pieces of Roman art preserved in its original location within the museum.
Excavations at this site revealed the 'Canterbury Treasure,' a significant hoard of Roman silver items.
The museum preserves a section of the actual Roman street grid that once served the ancient city.
The site contains rare examples of Roman-period wall plaster remnants, showing the original interior decoration of the villa.
The Canterbury Roman Museum is built around the original in-situ remains of a Roman townhouse, including a preserved mosaic floor and hypocaust underfloor heating system. Located beneath street level in the heart of Canterbury, the site showcases artifacts excavated directly from the city's Roman layers. Exhibits trace the history of Durovernum Cantiacorum, the Roman name for Canterbury, providing insight into domestic life in Roman Britain. Visitors walk on suspended walkways overlooking the archaeological remains. The collection features Roman coins, jewelry, household tools, and pottery recovered from local excavations. Interactive displays offer context on the Roman occupation of Kent and the transition from Roman to Anglo-Saxon eras.
From the raised walkway looking down onto the main central mosaic floor.
Use the provided audio guides to better understand the significance of the fragmented mosaics.
Look for the display cases containing small personal items like gaming counters and pins, which offer the best glimpse into daily Roman life.
Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby city walls to connect the museum exhibits to the wider Roman geography of Canterbury.
Don't rush through the entrance corridor, as it contains important foundational context about the discovery of the site.
Closed on Mondays during off-peak seasons.
