The tiger who came to Canterbury: family exhibition to launch in time for school break  

Families can spend the Easter holidays immersed in the world of Judith Kerr’s The Tiger Who Came to Tea at The Beaney’s latest exhibition. 

Opening on Saturday 5 April, the interactive exhibition by children’s literature centre, Seven Stories, includes family-friendly activities alongside reproductions of the author’s beloved illustrations from the famous picture book. 

Visitors will get to learn all about Judith Kerr, play in the famous kitchen, get creative and help make the tea party, as well as join the tiger for tea at the table. 

Free sensory bags, designed to help visitors with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) explore the exhibit, will also be available.  

First published in 1968, The Tiger who Came to Tea has been enjoyed by thousands of children who have gone on to share it with their own children and even grandchildren too. 

Kerr deposited her life’s work with Seven Stories in 2008 and is one of the most significant collections of artwork by a single illustrator in the Seven Stories collection. 

The exhibition was created as a celebration of 50 years of the beloved children’s book. 

Head of Culture, Leisure and External Development, Michelle Moubarak, said: “The Tiger Who Came to Tea holds a huge sense of nostalgia across multiple generations, and I can’t wait to see children, parents and grandparents all engaging with the exhibition in different ways. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing lots of families enjoying the Easter holidays out at the exhibition, including on Easter Monday when we will be opening The Beaney specially for the final day of the school break.” 

Drop by The Beaney’s Special Exhibitions Room to see the display until Sunday 8 June 2025 (closed Mondays expect 21 April). 

Admission is free, with donations encouraged.   

Find out more about The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition on The Beaney’s website. 

Visitors looking to explore the rest of The Beaney can also take part in the museum’s popular family trail, Mischief at the Museum: The bugs that came too!  

Take part in interactive puzzles and learn all about interesting insects in the museum collection. 

Trails cost £6, which includes a participation prize and entry into a prize draw for the chance to win £100 in Curzon Cinema vouchers. 

Published: 28 March 2025