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.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
Admissions:
10% discount for Annual Pass or Day Entry booked online using discount code DM01
Book now -
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Under 26-year-olds FREE Museum entry at weekends during the ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois exhibition from 22 March – 25 June 2023.
Exhibitions
ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois
22 March – 25 June 2023
Explore the work of legendary artist Louise Bourgeois in this first major presentation of her work in Dorset.
The Art of Seeing
An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club
18 February – 22 June 2023
The Club is delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit some of their members’ prints in the Dorset Museum together with an audio-visual presentation.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
21 July – 29 October 2023
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is coming to Dorset Museum this summer.
What's on
18 February - 22 June 2023
The Art of Seeing: An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club
The Club is delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit some of their members’ prints in the Dorset Museum together with an audio-visual presentation.
Find out more22 March - 25 June 2023
ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois
Explore the work of Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010), one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. This spring Dorset Museum will show a major presentation of her work in this ARTIST ROOMS touring exhibition featuring works jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Find out more29 March - 9 July 2023
PJ Harvey – Orlam
Dorset Museum is now displaying an archive of material relating to PJ Harvey’s verse novel Orlam.
Find out more30 May 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts
Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.
Find out more30 May 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 more1 June 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts
Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.
Find out more3 June 2023, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Louise Bourgeois | Drawing and Printmaking Workshop
Explore some of the themes and techniques in the Artist Rooms: Louise Bourgeois exhibition with fine art practitioners from Dorset Museum
Find out more4 June 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts
Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.
Find out more4 June 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dorchester Through the Lens of Thomas Hardy | Mark Chutter
Join Mark Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, to explore how Hardy presents the town of Dorchester in his writing.
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.
April 13, 2023
Dorset Museum appoints new Executive Director
Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society are delighted to announce it has appointed Claire Dixon as its new Executive Director. Claire is currently Director of…
Read moreMarch 28, 2023
Items gifted by singer-songwriter PJ Harvey go on display at Dorset Museum
An archive of items gifted to Dorset Museum by PJ Harvey on the publication of her Dorset dialect poem Orlam, has gone on display.
Read moreMarch 20, 2023
Dorset Museum to take part in Athelhampton Attic and Charity sale this Saturday
Dorset Museum is one of two charities taking part in an ‘Attic and Charity auction’ at Athelhampton House this coming Saturday 25 March from 2:00pm.
Read moreMarch 16, 2023
Dorset Museum acquires rare gold and rock crystal pendant dating to the 6th or 7th century
Dorset Museum is delighted to announce that it has acquired a rare gold and rock crystal pendant dating to the 6th or 7th century…
Read moreMarch 6, 2023
This is Now!
Working in partnership with Weymouth College and The Friendly Society of Artistic Labourers,’ This is Now’ explores Dorset Museum’s collection and looks at how creative…
Read moreFebruary 8, 2023
Free Wedding Fair at Dorset Museum this March
To help couples plan their forthcoming nuptials, the Museum is holding its Spring Wedding Fair on Sunday 5 March 2023, from 11:00…
Read moreFebruary 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 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.
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