Are you a Monopoly maestro or a Scrabble supremo? Gaming of the very old fashioned variety is being celebrated throughout the summer in Maidstone with the arrival of the Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered exhibition with the V&A Museum of Childhood.

Alongside current family favourites such as Cluedo and Trivial Pursuit, and traditional games like chess, the exhibition focuses on the last 500 years from the first illustrated race game – the 16th century game of Goose, to the most recent version of Monopoly.

All ages will be able to enjoy the trip through board game nostalgia, where there will be more than 100 objects displayed chronologically.

The exhibition also looks at the way games have reflected the world around us and the importance of games and game playing in people’s lives.

Cllr David Pickett, chairman of the council’s heritage, culture and leisure committee, said: “For so many people, the art of playing board games is intrinsically linked to their youth and can leave long-lasting memories.

“This exhibition offers a real opportunity for people to indulge their love of their favourite games or perhaps be introduced to a completely new one in an interactive way.”

GAMES NIGHTS

Exhibition sponsor Thames & Kosmos will host two games nights for those aged 18 and over, on Thursday, July 27, and Thursday, August 31, at the museum. Both evenings will allow gamers to try out one of the new titles on offer – from strategic to head-scratching games and team games.

Victoria Barlow, museums director, said: “We are really looking forward to sharing this exhibition with everyone and hope visitors will come and celebrate the joy, excitement and occasional frustration of playing board games.”

Gaming will take place in the cafe. Tickets cost £5.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Game Plan: Board Games Rediscovered will be at Maidstone Museum from Saturday, June 24, to Sunday, October 1.

Entry is £4, £3 for children, and £12 for a family of up to four.

For more details visit maidstonemuseum.org or call 01622 602838.