Art & Joy is a free, dementia‑friendly creative art programme that offers a welcoming space to connect, create and share joy. The programme was established in 2024, and artwork created by participants featured in the Museum’s previous Art & Joy exhibition.

Join us for a bi‑weekly session at the Museum of Croydon to explore the Croydon Art Collection, our exhibition and our handling collection, and take part in fun creative activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. You don’t need to be an expert in art – come along, have a cup of tea, relax and tap into your creativity.

The Croydon Art Collection began in the 1890s, when many artworks were donated as gifts to the council. Today the collection includes over 2,000 works from across different decades, ranging from 17th‑century paintings, prints and sketches to significant pieces by contemporary artists like Bridget Riley. 

Be inspired by the Croydon Art Collection – its artists, techniques, colours and themes!

Sign up to our sessions

FAQS

Find answers to frequently asked questions here and more information.

Email us if there is anything else your would like to know.

museum@croydon.gov.uk

  • What is Art and Joy?

    As part of the project’s continuation ‘Dementia, Art and Joy’; Art and Joy is a series of fortnightly sessions for people living with dementia and their carers. The group offers the opportunity to take part in creative activities in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment. 

    We welcome family members, partners, carers or friends to come along and join in!  All sessions are FREE!

  • Art and Joy will:

    • Provide experienced facilitators who will create a fun and celebratory environment and Museum staff who can chat to participants more about the art and artists we look at. 

    • Explore the Museum of Croydon’s art collection.  

    • Offer a range of arts activities to get involved in, to create our own – no experience necessary! 

    • Offer a unique experience for attendees to spend time together and have new shared experiences.  

    • Organise standalone sessions where attendance at every session is not required. Come to one, come to them all or dip in and out in a way that works for you. 

    • Follow current Dementia Friendly guidance to ensure the sessions and the Museum’s services are accessible and welcoming.

  • Use our 'Sign Up' form to be placed on our email list. Staff will be in touch via email to invite you to upcoming sessions.

    All bookings will be taken via the email address: museum@croydon.gov.uk

  • Location: Museum of Croydon, Activities Space on Level 0 (as you enter building, the library will be in front of you and the café to your right. Turn left and follow signage) To be confirmed

    Address: Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, Croydon, CR9 1ET

    Dates: Fortnightly sessions.

    Time: Wednesdays,10.30am to 12:00pm

    Duration: 90 minutes

    Once you have signed up you will receive more information on future dates, additional sessions or changes, if any.

  • Location and transport

    Croydon Clocktower is centrally located in Katharine Street in Croydon's town centre with excellent transport links.

    Tram

    The nearest stops are George Street and Wellesley Road.

    Bus

    Bus stops for all the major bus routes are on Katharine Street, Park Street and on Park Lane by the Nestlé Building and across the road by Fairfield Halls. West Croydon bus station and the bus interchange at East Croydon station are within walking distance.

    Train

    East and West Croydon rail stations are within walking distance (15+ mins). There are regular services from/to London Victoria, London Bridge, Thameslink stations, Gatwick Airport and south coast destinations.

  • The Museum does not have parking facilities.

    The nearest multi-storey car parks are Fairfield in Barclay Road and Surrey Street in Charles Street. You can search more options here.

    For blue badge holders.

    All car parks have dedicated bays for blue badge holders. There is also on-street parking for blue badge holders on Fell Road, by St George's Walk. Fell Road is next to the Croydon Clocktower Building.

  • Entry to the building

    You will be able to enter the building via main doors from 9am. The front of the building has ramped access and it is step free to the Activities Space (where sessions will be held).

    Public lifts give access to rest of building such as upstairs galleries, David Lean Cinema and Town Hall.

    Toilets

    Toilets including wheelchair accessible toilets are located on Level 0 and 1. Toilets are close by to the session space.

     Quiet space

    If you would like to leave the session at any point, staff can direct you to a quieter space.

    Cloakroom

    We have a coat rack and lockers outside the Activities Space.

    Food and Drink

    Teas, coffees and light snacks will be provided during the session. 

    The Clocktower Café will be open (9am-4pm) there is a selection of hot and cold food and drinks which can be purchased.

    You are able to bring your own food and drink for medical reasons, if you prefer.

    Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs

    Guide and Hearing Dogs are welcome at the Croydon Clocktower.

    British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter

    If you require BSL interpretation for sessions please get in touch with us at least one month’s notice prior to the session. We will do our best to accommodate all requests and will be in touch to confirm.

    Access to exhibition

    The exhibition is located next to the Activities room. Please see ‘Visit’ page for more information on access.

  • For booking, general session enquiries please contact:

    email: museum@croydon.gov.uk

    telephone: 020 8604 7501 / 020 8253 1022

  • No, the sessions and refreshments are all Free. Please make sure to book your place on the session(s) as spaces are limited.

    Exhibition is free admission.

  • Yes, the Museum has facilitated outreach sessions which includes facilitators taking handling objects into care homes/memory cafes. Contact us at museum@croydon.gov.uk for more information.

    Yes, also in the Clocktower - The David Lean Cinema offers regular Dementia Friendly Film Screenings in the Clocktower.

In loving memory of Hazel Allison De Souza (1948-2025) who brought so much joy to our sessions. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.

This project and exhibition 2024-2025 is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Part of Croydon Council’s Creative Health programme.

The estate of Richard Allen for permission to use Diacrosse by Richard Allen (1933-1999) in our project marketing.

Copyright: The Bruce Girls and Science Fantasy sketch by Norman Partridge, used in our exhibition promotional material ©National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS).

Special thanks to…