Anybody even vaguely interested in the history of film should visit MOMI in Deal. The Kent Museum of the Moving Image is a fairly new not-for-profit museum devoted to the history of the moving image and is based in Stanhope Road, Deal (in the same road as The Astor Theatre). It’s very close to the railway station (I refuse to say `train station`) and car parks. Don’t be put off by its appearance outside (it was a care home) as inside it has been beautifully modernised and fitted with state-of-the-art display cabinets and the signage and descriptions are clear. Tickets, which are only £6 for adults, £5 concessions and £4 for under 16’s, are valid for a year and also give free admission to various screenings. If you leave your email address you will be sent details of upcoming events – screenings, workshops etc. MOMI is open Friday to Sunday and Bank Holidays and the hours are 11.00 am to 6.00 pm from May to September and 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm October to April.
On the ground floor there are exhibits explaining the early forms of achieving a moving image, a small cafe serving drinks and snacks and a shop. There is outside seating for the tea shop so if you live nearby and have a ticket this is a good place to come to relax with a drink. The shop has some really good film related greetings cards, postcards and gifts as well as books and dvds; my husband asked about a fairly obscure film he wanted and amazingly they had a copy for sale. On the first floor are displays of projectors, a research area and, when we were there, a brilliant exhibition of Ealing Studio posters. There is a lift to the first floor if you need it and a toilet. I understand that the couple who have set up this museum previously worked in the film industry; they are extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to.
“Kent MOMI website”:http://www.kentmomi.org
