Amersham Fair Organ Museum
Private collection of restored fairground organs in Amersham, open to the public on a few Sundays each year with free entry.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collection was begun by Albert Edward "Ted" Reed (1926–2022), who built it up from the 1960s into a large group of restored fairground organs. A charitable trust was set up in 2004 to preserve the collection and make it available to the public.
The museum is housed in a building on Plantation Road in Amersham. On public open days the organs are played, so visitors can hear the loud, decorated instruments that once provided the music at fairs. A volunteer presentation takes place on open days, and ticketed guided tours are offered at selected times in the summer.
The museum can also be hired for private functions, with the instruments and staff included.
Highlights
- Restored fairground organs played on open days
- Free public open days on selected Sundays
- Presentation on open days at 14:00
- Ticketed summer tours
- Café on open days
Permanent exhibition
- Fairground organ collection – Restored fairground organs, many of them decorated, which are played in turn on public open days.
- Founded
- 2004
- Operated by
- Amersham Fair Organ Museum (charitable trust)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Summer guided tour (booked online) | £12Tours at 11:00 and 14:00 on selected summer dates. |
|---|
Admission to public open days is free and donations are welcome. Guided tours are ticketed and booked online; members of the Friends of AFOM attend free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it is step-free throughout and has accessible ambulant facilities, including baby changing, and accessible parking in its car park.
Kids & families
- Baby changing facilities
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Amersham station
Amersham railway station is about three-quarters of a mile away (Metropolitan line and Chiltern Railways). On Sundays Carousel bus 1A runs between Hemel Hempstead and High Wycombe; get off at Hervines Road or Amersham station, also about three-quarters of a mile away.
By car
Parking available
Limited parking at the museum, including accessible spaces. Overflow parking is available in the council car parks on Chiltern Avenue and Sycamore Road and in the Amersham multi-storey station car park.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
A café is open from 10:00 to 16:00 on public open days. Visitors with special dietary needs may bring their own refreshments.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
The museum can be hired for private functions: £600 for a full day (6 hours) or £320 for a half day (3 hours), with the instruments, facilities and staff included. A 15 per cent discount applies for registered charities and not-for-profit organisations. Refreshments and a tour can be added on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
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| Good to know | Summer guided tours last 90 to 120 minutes. Private tours and group visits can be arranged through the museum. |
