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 Announcement
Friday 22 September 2023, The Victorian Hall will also be closed all day for a private function. The Fine Foundation Dorset Story Space, next the the Thomas Hardy's Dorset Gallery will also be closed for an hour around Midday.
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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 Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01
BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10% -
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Exhibitions
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.
Nature Heals Photography by Trevor Parsons
21 July – 29 October 2023
Dorset Museum and Dorchester Arts co-present Nature Heals, an exhibition of nature photography by Trevor Parsons. Trevor is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power of photography.
Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within
2 December 2023 – 21 April 2024
Experience the inner world of famous sculptor Dame Elisabeth Frink (1930-1993) in a major new exhibition exploring her artistic and personal life in Dorset. Showcasing over 80 sculptures, drawings and prints, it will explore her artistic process, personal life and the influences that shaped her work.
What's on
21 July - 29 October 2023
Nature Heals | Photography by Trevor Parsons
Dorset Museum and Dorchester Arts co-present Nature Heals, an exhibition of nature photography by Trevor Parsons.
Find out more21 July - 29 October 2023
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is coming to Dorset Museum this summer.
Find out more4 August – 28 September 2023
The Askerswell Hoard
Discover a rare Roman coin hoard recently acquired by Dorset Museum, and find out about the work going on to preserve, research and catalogue it, in this special showcase display outside the Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more6 October 2023, 10:00am -1:00pm,
Creative Journeys Through Time | 6 week art workshop with Helen Garrett
Designed for adults interested in art, prehistory and archaeology, and running as a six-week block, this course is an exciting opportunity to get up close with some extraordinary artefacts in the collection at Dorset Museum.
Find out more9 October 2023, 2:00pm to 4:30pm
Life Drawing at Dorset Museum – Eight-week course led by James Meiklejohn
This eight-week structured course is suitable for complete beginners to those with some experience.
Find out more10 October 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wildlife friendly gardening | Mitch Perkins
Would you like to make your garden more wildlife friendly? Join Mitch Perkins to find out how.
Find out more19 October 2023, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
FREE | Museum After Hours
Join us for an opportunity to explore the Museum at this FREE late opening.
Find out more19 October 2023, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Real Dorset | Jon Woolcott
In this lecture, let Jon Woolcott take you on an amusing whistle-stop tour through some of the discoveries and oddities that make Dorset unique.
Find out more25 October 2023, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
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.
September 19, 2023
Getting back to nature with a FREE science-based workshop at Dorset Museum
As part of a national project, Dorset Museum is offering schools free curriculum-linked workshops. Aimed at Key Stage 2, pupils will gain a unique…
Read moreSeptember 8, 2023
Dorset Museum are looking for volunteer stewards for upcoming exhibition
Dorset Museum are looking for new volunteers to support the stewarding of a major new exhibition opening on 2 December 2023. Elisabeth Frink: A View…
Read moreSeptember 4, 2023
Dorset Museum presents major exhibition of Elisabeth Frink’s Dorset life and work
An exhibition that will reveal an intimate portrait of the celebrated British sculptor Elisabeth Frink is to open at the beginning of December at Dorset…
Read moreAugust 10, 2023
A rare Roman coin hoard acquired by Dorset Museum in 2022 has gone on display
The hoard of Roman coins was found in the parish of Askerswell in West Dorset in 2017 during a metal detecting rally. A selection…
Read moreJuly 12, 2023
Vikings invade Dorset Museum as part of special events during the Festival of Archaeology
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Vikings at Dorset Museum on Sunday 16 July 2023. This is part of a series of special…
Read moreJuly 3, 2023
Kids go free every day of the year at Dorset Museum
Dorset Museum is delighted to announce that from Monday 3rd July all children under 17 will be able to come and enjoy 250 million years…
Read moreJune 5, 2023
Dorset Museum will now hold wedding ceremonies at the Roman Town House in Dorchester
Dorset Museum has extended its wedding portfolio and are now able to hold outdoor wedding ceremonies at the Roman Town House in Dorchester. Just a…
Read moreJune 5, 2023
Stunning images unveiled as Wildlife Photographer of the Year comes to Dorset in July
The prestigious exhibition showcasing the best photography globally is not to be missed The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a world-renowned exhibition…
Read moreApril 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 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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Every grant and donation helps us to do more for more people. Find out how you could make a difference.