Welcome
Welcome to Dorset Museum, a place to connect with
250 million years of Dorset’s history.
We invite people from everywhere to discover and enjoy the richness of our county’s natural, historical and cultural heritage through our world-class collections.
We believe everybody will find something here to interest, fascinate or inspire them. We hope it will ignite you with an appreciation of our county and a desire to explore it.
About the Museum
Dorset Museum is cared for by the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, an educational charity and custodians of four million objects in the Museum’s collection.
Important Notice
On Friday 10 February 2023
Artist Dorset Gallery
will be closed until 1pm
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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Exhibitions
I Grew Up 80s
3 December 2022 –
26 February 2023
This winter visitors to Dorset Museum are invited to take a trip back in time with the nostalgia-filled exhibition I Grew Up 80s.
In this fascinating time capsule of over 200 objects, you’ll experience the youthful exuberance of this iconic decade through the eyes of a child. Embark on a colourful adventure and discover toys, technology, fashion, rock bands, food, and even a vintage TV set showing archival footage of popular shows.
Unmasked
3 October 2022 – 8 February 2023
Unmasked is a local independent project that began in the dark days of March 2020, when a new disease called COVID-19 literally stopped the world as we knew it.
What's on
3 October 2022 - 8 February 2023
Unmasked
Unmasked is a local, voluntary project that began in the dark days of March 2020, when a new disease called COVID-19 literally stopped the world as we knew it.
Find out more3 December 2022 - 26 February 2023
I Grew Up 80s
This winter visitors to Dorset Museum are invited to take a trip back in time with the nostalgia-filled exhibition I Grew Up 80s.
Find out more3 February 2023 - 10 March 2023, 10am -12.45pm
Drawing Into Life – 6 Week Creative Course with Helen Garrett
Winter can be a deeply creative time. We notice luminous landscapes, animals scuttling into their shelters or out searching for food, tempestuous weather patterns, colours, and endless changing skies.
Find out more7 February 2023, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Archaeology Highlights Tour
Explore archaeological treasures held by Dorset Museum – from Bronze Age gold to medieval silver - in this volunteer-led tour.
Find out more14 February 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
I Grew Up 80s ArtyFacts
Use modelling clay, plasticine, and play dough to create your own 1980s inspired creatures.
Find out more14 February 2023, 11:00am - 12:00noon
Dorset Museum Highlights Tour
Explore 250 million years of Dorset’s history in this volunteer-led highlights tour of Dorset Museum. Discover Roman mosaics, fossils from the Jurassic Coast, Thomas Hardy manuscripts and the sculptures of Elisabeth Frink – and plenty more along the way.
Find out more14 February 2023, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
FREE | After hours relaxed opening
Visitors can explore Dorset Museum during this relaxed opening for children with neurodiverse conditions and other sensory processing difficulties. Explore the exhibition and galleries with sound levels at a minimum and screens turned off. There will also be light-touch activities in the Learning Centre.
Find out more16 February 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
I Grew Up 80s ArtyFacts
Use modelling clay, plasticine, and play dough to create your own 1980s inspired creatures.
Find out more16 February 2023, 11:00am - 12:00noon
Collections Discovery Centre Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out moreGalleries
Natural Dorset
See 250 million years of natural history come alive as Natural Dorset reveals the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife.
Peoples Dorset
Sweep through around 500,000 years of people’s history, from the Palaeolithic to the present day, on Dorset’s key themes of land, sea and community.
Hardy's Dorset
Discover the life and work of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life.
Artists' Dorset
Enjoy a beautiful gallery full of the Museum’s superb collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art.
Venue Hire
Dorset Museum is the perfect venue to hold any corporate or private events. Offering exclusive hire the wonderful spaces and facilities we can create the perfect setting tailored directly to your needs.
The committed bookings and events team are highly experienced in managing and holding a variety of events, from small conferences to evening parties, and are available to assist with any queries you may have.
TASTE Café
Visitors can enjoy and relax at the TASTE café at Dorset Museum without needing to pay for admission to the museum. We’ve also got free Wi-Fi available to our customers.
Gifts and Souvenirs
Remember your visit with a little something from our wonderful selection of pocket money goodies for all ages.
Roman Town House
The Roman Town House in Dorchester is the only example of a fully exposed Roman Town House in the country. It is free to visit and tours are offered by Dorset Museum.
February 7, 2023
The Art of Seeing: An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club
One Step Closer to Heaven by Tony Gill Dorchester Camera Club is presenting its The Art of Seeing exhibition at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester from…
Read moreFebruary 6, 2023
Dorset Museum to reunite Gainsborough husband and wife portraits
Portraits of Elizabeth and John Bragge by Thomas Gainsborough Dorset Museum is delighted to announce that it has taken guardianship of A Portrait of Elizabeth Bragge by…
Read moreJanuary 30, 2023
Dorset Museum celebrates winning four awards at Dorset Tourism Awards, including Gold for Accessible tourism
Staff and volunteers are celebrating after picking up four trophies at the 10th Dorset Tourism Awards held at the Tank Museum in Bovington last…
Read moreNovember 29, 2022
Dorset Museum named finalist in four Dorset Tourism Awards
Dorset Museum has been named a finalist in four Dorset Tourism Award categories. After their Silver Award in the 2021/22 Dorset Tourism…
Read moreNovember 2, 2022
Kids Go Free Every Weekend
Dorset Museum is offering free children’s entry every weekend this Winter! Dorset Museum is allowing visitors to explore 250 million years of Dorset’s history with…
Read moreNovember 1, 2022
Dorset Museum’s exhibition celebrating the popular culture of the 1980s opens this December
Visitors can explore a time capsule of over 200 objects on display. Visitors to the Dorset Museum in the county town of Dorchester are invited…
Read moreSeptember 28, 2022
Bridport Prize Black Writer Residency: Grace Peters Clarke
When I applied for the Bridport Prize Black Writer Residency, I was excited about the prospect of spending an entire week in the countryside, with…
Read moreSeptember 10, 2022
Book of Remembrance
Dorset Museum is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96. Our thoughts…
Read moreAugust 9, 2022
Campaign to unlock Thomas Hardy archive
Dorset Archives Trust is leading a fundraising effort to permanently unlock the internationally significant, UNESCO-listed archive of author Thomas Hardy, gifted to Dorset Museum in…
Read moreSupport Us
Become A Member Today!
Become a member of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society today and get a deeper insight into 250 million years of Dorset’s history, while you help protect its rich heritage for future generations.
Donations Make The Difference
Every grant and donation helps us to do more for more people. Find out how you could make a difference.