Museum of Eton Life
Free museum in a former beer undercroft at Eton College telling the story of school life since 1440; closed for building works until January 2027.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum of Eton Life tells the story of learning, playing and living at Eton College across six centuries. Eton was founded in 1440, and the museum uses objects, costume and printed ephemera to show how pupils lived and what the school’s traditions meant to them.
It is housed in an undercroft at Brewhouse Yard that was once used to store beer for the King’s Scholars. The displays include 15th-century pilgrim badges, costumes from the Montem procession, the Eton colours and sporting displays such as the Wall Game and the Procession of Boats, as well as recreated Edwardian and modern boys’ rooms.
The Verey Gallery is entered through the museum. The museum is closed for essential building works from May 2026 to January 2027.
Highlights
- 15th-century pilgrim badges
- Costumes from the Montem procession
- Wall Game and Procession of Boats displays
- Recreated Edwardian and modern boys’ rooms
- Housed in a former beer undercroft
Permanent exhibitions
- Six centuries of Eton life – Objects, costume and ephemera about learning, playing and living at Eton since 1440, with recreated boys’ rooms.
- Eton traditions – Displays on the Montem procession, the Wall Game, the Procession of Boats and the Eton colours.
- Founded
- 1985
- Operated by
- Eton College
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free and no booking is required.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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 is at ground level with a slight step at the entrance, and staff can provide a ramp and help. The floor is uneven flagstone and some areas are dimly lit. Large-print guides and audio transcripts are available, and a visual story describes quiet spaces and what to expect. Accessible toilets and baby changing are in Brewhouse Yard, and stim toys, reading rulers and writing tools can be borrowed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Baby changing facilities
Families can dress up in Eton uniform, design school colours or follow a trail. Baby changing is available in Brewhouse Yard.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The nearest stations are Windsor & Eton Riverside (10 to 15 minutes on foot) and Windsor & Eton Central (15 to 20 minutes on foot). The website also suggests taking the train to Slough and continuing by taxi.
By car
Parking available
Council car parks at Eton Court (SL4 6BY) and Meadow Lane (SL4 6BS).
Brewhouse Yard is reached from Eton High Street via Baldwin’s Shore. For satnav use the postcode SL4 6DW (school office). Vehicles cannot cross the Thames from Windsor to Eton, but pedestrians can walk over Windsor Bridge (about half a mile).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
There is no café on site; cafés and restaurants are on Eton High Street. Drinking water is available at Brewhouse Yard.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits can be arranged through the collections team, and appointments outside opening hours go through the Museum Officer. The Verey Gallery is reached through this museum. |
