Special Exhibition
Elmer and Friends
13 October 2021 - 9 January 2022
The Colourful World of David McKee
An exhibition from Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books.
13 October 2021 to 9 January 2022
For the first time ever, families from across the region will be able to step into David McKee’s colourful world in this characteristically playful Seven Stories exhibition as it celebrates over 30 years of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant.
First stop will be Elmer’s world, where visitors will be greeted by a giant Elmer jigsaw and enjoy the ultimate Instagram moment. The adventure continues as guests walk through Elmer’s jungle, encountering characters and stories along the way.
As well as illustrations from the Elmer series there will be original artwork from Not Now Bernard, Mr Benn and King Rollo as well as the opportunity to dress up in fancy dress from the costume shop featured in Mr Benn.
Visitors will be able to explore David McKee’s vibrant illustrations in great depth through the use of many multi-sensory elements including colour, texture and sound plus visualise McKee’s use of perspective through an interactive mirrored walkway.
Copyright David McKee, 2021. Licensed by Andersen Press Ltd.
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Opening hours:
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm
TASTE Café
Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm
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Admissions:
10% discount for Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01
BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10% -
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Exhibition Information
Location: Special Exhibitions
Museum MapThis exhibition is included as a part of your entrance timed ticket.
Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books, works with children’s books to create meaningful experiences for children and young people, in order to fire their imagination and creativity and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world.
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Family Activities
Elmer on Tour
Elmer will be travelling around Dorset, visiting Libraries on the way. Join in the fun with activities and storytelling at each location.
Inspired by the illustrations in the Elmer books, Elmer the elephant has been decorated by pupils from Wyke Regis Infant School with the help of artist Caroline Parrott and the Dorset Museum.
- Dorchester Library: Tuesday 12th October until Thursday 28th October
- Weymouth Library: Saturday 30th October until Thursday 18th November
- Portland Library: Saturday 20th November – Thursday 9th December
- Gillingham Library: Saturday 11th December – Tuesday 28th December
- Bridport Library: Thursday 30th December – Saturday 8th January.
Schools
Available from 13th October 2021 until 9th January 2022
Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils take part in our immersive and interactive workshops inspired by the works of David McKee. Themes of compassion, sharing, inclusivity are all explored during these fun workshops. Based in the Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee Special Exhibition and our John White’s Learning Centre at Dorset Museum children will have fun exploring and discovering Elmer’s colourful world!
How To Book
For booking your visit and lunch space or an unguided visit.
Call: 01305 262735
Contact usElmer and Friends Workshops
Charlottes Piggy Bank workshop
Explore and investigate the stories hidden in the pages of ‘Charlottes Piggy Bank’, and create stories for the characters you discover. This workshop is an interactive experience aimed at Key Stage 1 inspired by the book ‘Charlottes Piggy Bank’ by David McKee.
Cost: £160.00 | Duration: 60 minutes + extra time to explore the Elmer Exhibition and Museum.
Aimed at: Key Stage
Elmer and the Rainbow workshop
There has been a terrible storm and Elmer needs your help! Children take part in a special adventure to bring some colour and happiness to the animals in Elmer’s jungle. This workshop is an immersive session for Nursery aged children inspired by the book ‘Elmer and the Rainbow’ by David McKee
Cost: £160.00 | Duration: 45 minutes + extra time to explore the Elmer Exhibition and Museum
Aimed at: Nursery
Elmer’s Special Day workshop
Join Elmer in a very special story about including friends and celebrating who you are. Children have their very own special day parade with a craft activity that encourages them to think positively about themselves in a fun way. This workshop is an interactive session for Reception aged children inspired by the book ‘Elmer’s Special Day’ by David McKee
Cost: £160.00 | Duration: 60 minutes + extra time to explore the Elmer Exhibition and Museum
Aimed at: Reception
We’re Good To Go
We have gained the Visit England ‘We’re Good To Go’ kitemark confirming we’re following national COVID 19 guidelines for managing visits to our site.
✔ Face masks must still be worn to keep you, our staff and our volunteers safe unless you are exempt!
✔ You must still check-in via the Track and Trace app.
✔ Sanitisation stations will still be in place and we encourage you to use them.
✔ Social distancing will remain.
✔ Regular cleaning of our interactive exhibits will still take place.
This guidance will stay in place until further notice.
What's on
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 more2 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 more3 February - 30 May 2024
John Brown in Dorchester: Rebuilding a Life after slavery
Discover the little-known story of John Brown, in this new showcase display outside the Collections Discovery Centre.
Find out more24 April 2024, 7:30pm
Yuanfan Yang, Pianist
Pianist and composer Yuanfan Yang, born in Edinburgh, is a First-Class Graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music in London. He has won numerous prizes at international piano competitions and has performed with prestigious orchestras worldwide. Yuanfan is also an accomplished composer, winning awards for his compositions. His debut album "Watercolour" received critical acclaim.
Find out more2 May 2024, 10:00am- 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at the Museum.
Find out more16 May 2024, 10:00am- 10:30am
Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at the Museum.
Find out more16 May 2024, 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Paul Nash in Dorset | Professor Paul Gough
This richly illustrated lecture explores over 80 Paul Nash artworks created from the mid-1930s until his death in 1946. They range from ancient places such as Maiden Castle and Badbury Rings to the limestone promontories and fossilised forests on the Purbeck coast.
Find out more22 May 2024, 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 more22 May 2024, 7:30pm