This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete

Ramsgate, Kent· CT11 8RA

SEN Suitability Assessment

Based on analysis of 13 public reviews (May 2025 – Mar 2026) · Good confidence

38/100

SEN Score

Based on noise, queues, staff, calm spaces

Breakdown

NoiseChallenging

Staff supportGood

PredictabilityOK

Calm spacesChallenging

Can get very loudQuiet times recommendedInteractive/hands-on exhibitsBook ahead for sensory breaksStructured opening hoursSmall spaces - can feel crowdedEnthusiastic staffAllow 3+ hours for engagement

Parent summary

This museum has some genuinely engaging features—the interactive exhibits with switches and buttons kept some visitors absorbed for hours, and the staff are enthusiastic and helpful. The core collection centres on musical instruments that produce sound (synthesizers, organs, theremins, an interactive orchestra). For some visitors this creates a stimulating environment; others have found the noise level challenging in the small space. Whether this works for your child will depend on their sensory profile and response to unpredictable sound.

Best times to visit

Saturday or Sunday 1pm onwards. Early in the session may mean fewer simultaneous instrument players, which could reduce overall noise levels.

Worth avoiding

Later afternoon (approaching 4pm closing). More visitors may be playing multiple instruments simultaneously, potentially increasing noise levels.

What visitors say

Visitors have consistently praised the structured opening hours, clear collection focus, and hands-on interactive exhibits that kept many children engaged for extended periods, with staff noted as enthusiastic and helpful. Some visitors have reported that the interactive music-making activities—including playable instruments like synthesizers and theremins—can create high sensory input, and a few have found the noise level overwhelming in the compact space. Others have spent nearly 3 hours engaged without difficulty.

Based on a sample of public reviews. Experiences vary - every child and every visit is different.

Read reviews on Google →

From SEN communities

dedicated SEN sessionssensory-rich environmentinteractive exhibitsautism-friendly visits

SEN parents and carers group runs twice monthly on Tuesday mornings at 10am
Families mention sensory overload but describe experience positively as 'amazing place'
Autistic child with fear of unknown attended and experience was positive
Museum noted as welcoming to children with additional needs and wide range of learning needs
Interactive, hands-on exhibits allow children to play with vintage technology and synthesisers

Sourced from Facebook community groups, Tripadvisor reviews, local news within the SEN community. Individual experiences vary.

Potential challenges

Multiple playable instruments (half interactive orchestra, modular synthesizers, organs, theremins) can produce sound simultaneously, creating unpredictable and potentially loud sensory input in a confined space
Some visitors have reported the overall sensory load felt overwhelming despite the engaging content
No dedicated quiet or lower-stimulation spaces identified within the venue
Toilet facilities have been reported as unclean on at least one occasion

What works

Clear, structured opening hours (Sat-Sun 1pm-4pm only) aid predictability
Hands-on interactive exhibits encourage engagement and sustained focus
Staff are responsive, knowledgeable and willing to answer questions in detail
Organised, curated collection gives the visit clear direction and purpose
Flexibility to visit for shorter sessions if needed, rather than spending the full 3 hours

Facilities

Tips for your visit

Contact museum directly for SEND accessibility information: museum@thismuseumisnotobsolete.com. Opening hours: Saturdays & Sundays 13:00-16:00. Address: 5-7 Church Hill, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8RA