The Museum of Timekeeping is an independent charity (1176495) operating from Upton Hall, Nottinghamshire.
The Museum cares for a fascinating collection of clocks, watches and other timepieces for everyone to enjoy. We present the stories of timekeeping past, present and future.
Our Mission & Purpose:
“The Museum’s mission is to inspire and promote public understanding and appreciation of the history, science, art and craft of horology and timekeeping. We achieve this by collecting, documenting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting a collection and library, and delivering exhibitions and public and educational programmes”.
Where it all began
The Museum’s collection began with the British Horological Institute (BHI) at the time of its founding in 1858. The Institute’s members started a tradition of collecting and donating many rare and valuable clocks, watches, timepieces, along with books, instruments and tools, to support the education of clock and watchmakers.
In 1994, the collection was transferred into a charitable trust, the British Horological Institute’s Museum Trust (BHIMT), to ensure both the long-term future of this unique collection. Later in 2018, the Museum separated from the BHI and became an independent charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) (1176495) under the name of the Museum of Timekeeping. In 2023, the Musuem was awarded Accredited Status by Arts Council England (ACE), showing that the work is being carried out to industry standards, encouraging visitors to engage with collections and protect its the future.
