News
Dorset Museum lends objects to landmark Stonehenge exhibition at British Museum
February 16, 2022
Dorset Museum is one of a number of major institutions across Europe lending objects to a major exhibition at the British Museum, opening on 17 February 2022.

The world of Stonehenge (17 February – 17 July 2022) is the UK’s first-ever major exhibition on the story of Stonehenge, and will see over 430 objects brought together from across Europe in a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle on the history – and mystery – of the ancient monument. Dorset joins its Wessex Museums Partners, Wiltshire and Salisbury Museum, who are both lending a significant number of objects to the exhibition.
Dorset Museum is lending 17 objects dating from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, most importantly the Clandon Barrow burial assemblage, which was excavated in 1882 by antiquarian Edward Cunnington just west of Maiden Castle in Winterborne St Martin. The assemblage includes a gold incised lozenge, and other burial goods including a shale macehead, amber cup and bronze dagger.
Elizabeth Selby, Interim Director of Dorset Museum says Dorset Museum holds archaeological objects of international significance in its collection, and we are delighted to be lending a number of objects for display in this extraordinary exhibition. We are looking forward to welcoming Dr Neil Wilkin to the Museum in May to speak about the objects, themes and stories contained within the exhibition, and what they tell us about the world of Stonehenge.
Dr Neil Wilkin, lead curator of The World of Stonehenge, will be speaking about the exhibition in a lecture at Dorset Museum on 19 May 2022. Tickets are available from the Museum’s website now.
Book now
The World of Stonehenge – A major exhibition on Stonehenge featuring 430 objects and artefacts displayed at the British Museum from 17 February to 17 July 2022.
Visit websiteIMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Victorian Hall will be hosting a private event on Friday 10th June 2022, all day and Saturday 11th June 2022, 12 noon to 5:00 pm, and therefore will be closed to visitors.
What's on
14 March to 12 June 2022
A Virus a Day Textile Art by Antje Rook
Antje Rook created the A Virus a Day quilt created in response to Covid-19. The Portland artist embroidered one virus for every day of the first 2020 UK lockdown while she was isolating with her partner.
Find out more28 May – 30 October 2022
Take a fresh look at the Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, in the stunning Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our museum collections, from period costumes to personal letters, art to archaeology.
Find out more31 May 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Model theatre-making based on Hardy's novels and the model by Thomas Tilley for the Hardy Players in the Hardy's Dorset Gallery.
Find out more2 June 2022, 10:00am - 12noon
Half Term ArtyFacts
Create your own wooden Victorian decoupage box using Victorian images and decoration in association with the Thomas Hardy exhibition and the Hardy's Dorset gallery. Younger children will be able to create simple Victorian collages.
Find out more11 June 2022, 10:30am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more17 June - 11 July 2022, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Hardy’s Wessex: Drawing on the ancient past
This six-week course led by artist Helen Garrett will take you on a creative journey through Thomas Hardy’s work, inspirations and Dorset Museum’s collections.
Find out more18 June 2022, 11:30am - 4:00pm
Dorset Button making day
Join Dorset button maker and artist Anna McDowell to explore the history of Dorset button-making and take part in a workshop to make your own buttons.
Find out more19 June 2022, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Sunday ArtyFacts
Create colourful wax resist and collaged patchwork patterns and shapes inspired by Valentine Ackland's jacket from our Dorset Artists gallery. Make your own cards and bookmarks with colourful designs to take home.
Find out more22 June 2022, 7:30pm
Connaught Brass
Connaught Brass are quickly making a name for themselves as a fresh talent in the chamber music world
Find out more