Sir Max Aitken Museum

About the museum

The Sir Max Aitken Museum occupies The Prospect, an 18th-century sail maker’s loft on Cowes High Street that once served the firm Ratsey & Lapthorn. Sir Max Aitken, a yachtsman and the eldest son of the newspaper owner Lord Beaverbrook, bought and restored the building in 1947. In 1979 he set up a charitable trust to preserve his collection and open it to the public. He died in 1985, and the museum has been kept much as he knew it, as a very personal collection.

The long gallery looks out over the Solent and holds objects covering three centuries of yachting, powerboating and maritime history. Pieces from the royal racing cutter Britannia include a gaff of about 51 feet, a tiller and the king’s chair. There are also Nelson relics, including a handwritten letter signed by him and paintings of the Battle of the Nile, ship models in ivory and bone, navigational instruments and marine paintings from the early 1600s to the 1900s.

Highlights

• Gaff of about 51 feet from the royal racing yacht Britannia, with her tiller and the king’s chair
• Nelson collection with a signed letter and paintings of Trafalgar and the Battle of the Nile
• Ship models in ivory, silver and bone
• Marine paintings by artists such as Buttersworth, Monamy and Luny
• Sail maker’s loft above the Solent, kept much as Sir Max left it

Permanent exhibition

• Sir Max Aitken’s collection – Yachting and naval objects, ship models, navigational instruments and marine paintings, including items from the royal yacht Britannia and Nelson relics.

Founded

1979

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 states that it has no access for visitors with disabilities.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the Red Jet terminal turn right into the High Street; the museum is on the right about two minutes’ walk away.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

The Long Gallery, terrace and balcony overlooking the Solent can be hired all year for up to 100 guests at a drinks party, up to 80 seated for lunch or dinner and up to 80 for a civil wedding ceremony. The museum is licensed for weddings and also offers business meetings, corporate events, product launches and use as a media centre. Preferred caterers are listed on the museum website.