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.’

Special Display

4 August – 29 December 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 more

Community Exhibition

2 December 2023 - 21 April 2024

Awakened by Frink

Awakened by Frink is a community exhibition of artwork by members of the Deaf community created during a series of workshops at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery.

Find out more

Special Exhibition

2 December 2023 - 21 April 2024

Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within

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, this exhibition will explore her artistic process, personal life, and the influences that shaped her work.

Find out more

Family Activity

10 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Elf Workshop

The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves

Find out more

Storytelling

14 December 2023, 10:00am- 10:30am

Storytime at the Museum

Come and join us for Storytime in our Community Space at the Museum. Hear fabulous tales about dinosaurs and animals.

Find out more

Lecture

14 December 2023, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

What’s new in the British and Irish Neolithic? | Dr Alison Sheridan

While the past doesn’t change, our knowledge and understanding of it are being transformed by new discoveries and new research – and this is especially the case with the Neolithic period, the time of the first farming communities from the late 5th millennium to around 2500 BCE. This lecture offers some highlights from the past decade or so.

Find out more

Family Activity

17 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Elf Workshop

The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves

Find out more

Tours

20 December 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

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 more

Family Activity

21 December 2023, 11:30am - 12:30pm | 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Elf Workshop

The Elves need your help in the workshop. Join them and lend a hand! You're invited to embark on a magical journey filled with Christmas crafts, fun activities, and the chance to learn all the secrets of the elves

Find out more