News
Dorset Museum appoints new Executive Director
April 13, 2023
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 Museums and Deputy Chief Executive at Bath Preservation Trust and will take up her new post in July.
Claire brings with her a wealth of experience having spent over fifteen years in the cultural sector. At Bath Preservation Trust, as Director of Museums she oversees four museum sites including the internationally renowned No.1 Royal Crescent, the Museum of Bath Architecture, Herschel’s Museum of Astronomy and Beckford’s Tower and Museum.
She also brings a strong background in visitor experience, coupled with extremely useful regional knowledge having worked for the National Trust at both Kingston Lacy and Brownsea Island and also a stint at the Tank Museum in Bovington.
Jean Lang DL, Chair of Dorset Museum Board of Trustees said: ‘We are looking forward to welcoming Claire Dixon to our team in July. She impressed us with her knowledge and background in the cultural sector and brings the skills and experience we need to drive forward Dorset Museum and Society in these challenging times.
‘The combination of her museum credentials and visitor experience roles position her well to make the most of Dorset Museum’s £16.4 million redevelopment which saw us open a fantastic new resource for residents and visitors across the South West in May 2021, telling Dorset’s stories in bigger and bolder ways.’
Claire Dixon said: ‘I am delighted to take on this role at Dorset Museum. I know the area well and I am excited about the opportunities the redevelopment provides to grow our presence as a significant regional museum. I am looking forward to working with the museum team to deliver a programme of contemporary and relevant exhibitions and events that will broaden our audiences by connecting them with the engaging, diverse and important narratives that this County has to offer.’
Jean Lang DL continues: ‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Elizabeth Selby who has been Interim Executive Director at the museum since last January. Not only did she play a really significant part in the redevelopment in her role as Director of Collections and Public Engagement, but she has also skilfully steered us through the last year with her passion and commitment to the work of the museum and society. On behalf of all the Trustees I thank her for her work and we are all truly grateful for her continuing contribution.’
Important Announcement
The lift in the Museum is currently out of action.
We hope to resolve this very soon and apologies for the inconvenience.
What's on
4 July – 6 September 2024
Fashioning our World
This exhibition special display showcases a project with local young people working alongside Dorset Museum & Art Gallery team as part of Fashioning our World with Salisbury Museum.
Find out more10 July - 26 September 2024.
Sensing the Past
"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Find out more13-28 July 2024
Festival of Archaeology | Events
Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology, the Festival offers hundreds of events nationwide, organised by museums, heritage organisations, national and country parks, universities, local societies, and community archaeologists.
Find out more19 July - 3 November 2024
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Find out more19 July - 1 September 2024
Summer Animal Trail
Get ready to embark on a wild adventure! This summer, join in on our animal-spotting trail around the museum.
Find out more27 July 2024, 9:00am - 10:00am
Relaxed Opening
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our relaxed openings. Especially suitable for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions, and their siblings, parents and carers. The sessions are also suitable for any group or individual who would like to visit our museums and galleries at a quieter time.
Find out more31 July 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Wildlife Wednesday
Come and join us every Wednesday during the school holidays for a wild adventure in the galleries.
Find out more7 August 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Wildlife Wednesday
Come and join us every Wednesday during the school holidays for a wild adventure in the galleries.
Find out more14 August 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Wildlife Wednesday
Come and join us every Wednesday during the school holidays for a wild adventure in the galleries.
Find out more