About Us

Our vision is to inspire people everywhere to connect with 250 million years of Dorset’s stories through our world‐class collections.

The Museum’s nationally and internationally recognised collections unlock the secrets of Dorset’s natural world, archaeology, history, art and culture.

We welcome people from everywhere to discover and enjoy the richness of Dorset’s natural, historical and cultural heritage. Our aim is to ignite an appreciation of our county – and of how Dorset people have helped advance understanding of the wider world.

Through exciting, fun and enjoyable public programmes and exhibitions, we work hard to inspire learning, advance knowledge and engage with the widest possible audience. As one of Dorset’s leading cultural tourism attractions, we also play an important part in the local economy.

We are delighted to be recognised by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation through the Wessex Museum Partnership.

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.