Sir Max Aitken
Museum
The Prospect . Cowes

Three centuries of yachting, powerboating and maritime history

Visit us at The Prospect, Cowes, Isle of Wight

Private hire

Visit the museum

Explore an exciting world of marine history


Visitors arriving in Cowes should not leave without making a visit to the Sir Max Aitken Museum in the famous pink building, The Prospect on Cowes High Street.

This magnificent 18th Century, Ratsey & Lapthorn sail maker’s loft was acquired and restored by Sir Max Aitken in 1947. Today, with its traditional splendour, the building boasts Sir Max’s personal collection of historic and nautical artefacts.

Find out more
painting of ships at sea
lanterns on a wooden table
pillow
painting of ships at sea

Sir Max Aitken


John William Maxwell Aitken was born in Canada in 1910, he was the eldest son of Lord Beaverbrook, the owner of the Daily Express newspaper group.

Sir Max was educated at Pembrooke College, Cambridge, where he joined the Auxiliary Air Force, which consisted of spare-time flyers who gave up their weekends and holidays to learn the art of flying different aircraft.

More about Sir Max
black and white photograph of a group of sailors
bride and groom around family and friends
bride and groom with a glass of champagne

Private Hire & Weddings


This lovely venue is available to hire for your private lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or drinks party all year round.

Business meeting and corporate events are welcome and the museum is licensed for weddings.

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"We visited here for a dinner on a Saturday evening and what an incredible place - we had the pleasure of dining surrounded by a rare and fascinating collection of nauticalia"

Reviewer on Trip Advisor

Contact us


Sir Max Aitken Museum, The Prospect,
83 High Street,
Cowes
Isle of Wight,
PO31 7AJ
Find us

Opening Dates

May - September

Opening Times

Tuesday - Saturday: 10.00 - 16.00

Admission is free.

There is no disabled access.

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