Hollytrees Museum

Follow the story around this beautiful Georgian building taking in domestic life and childhood in Colchester over the past 300 years.

Meet many different characters from the past and experience Colchester's fascinating history. Discover what family life was life for the rich and the poor. Then be transported back to the days before washing machines to try out a dolly peg and dress up as a servant.

Experience the miniature world of the Hollytrees dolls house and find out about the origin of the famous nursery rhyme Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - which was written in Colchester!

Current Exhibitions

Hollytrees Museum has an exciting programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year, so there is always something different for you to see. Click on the links below to see what is on at the moment and what will be coming soon!

Highlights include:

• The dolls' house - a full model of Hollytrees House.
• Displays demonstrating what family life was like for rich and poor people in Georgian and Victorian Colchester.
• Hear the stories of those who lived and worked in Hollytrees.
• Clocks and watches, ranging in period from the mid 17th century through to the mid 19th century. The display includes the first clock Bernard Mason bought!