Special Exhibition
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
21 July - 29 October 2023

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is coming to Dorset Museum this summer.
Over 100 powerful photographs capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking beauty of our planet. The images shine a light on stories and species from around the world and show the impact of human activity on the planet, in ways that words cannot.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases some of the best photography talent from around the world for over 55 years. Launching in 1965, today the competition receives entries from over 90 countries encouraging curiosity, connection, and wonder.
Winning images are selected for their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by a panel of international experts.
Important Announcement
Friday 22 September 2023, The Victorian Hall will also be closed all day for a private function. The Fine Foundation Dorset Story Space, next the the Thomas Hardy's Dorset Gallery will also be closed for an hour around Midday.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
Admissions:
10% discount for Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01
BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10% -
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What's on
21 July - 29 October 2023
Nature Heals | Photography by Trevor Parsons
Dorset Museum and Dorchester Arts co-present Nature Heals, an exhibition of nature photography by Trevor Parsons.
Find out more10 October 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Wildlife friendly gardening | Mitch Perkins
Would you like to make your garden more wildlife friendly? Join Mitch Perkins to find out how.
Find out moreFamily Activities 🐞
Come and run wild this summer! Enjoy the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with playful self-guided activities and a fun animal trail.
We’ve got free, unguided art and craft activities every day throughout the summer holidays. Our art and craft station in the Atrium is full of art supplies and suggestions for children and grown-ups. Come and get creative! Whilst you’re here, help yourself to our fun trail and see which animals you can spot in the galleries.
Schools Workshop | Natural Collection 🐛
A FREE science-based workshop at Dorset Museum in partnership with Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is challenging students across the UK to help everyone better understand the nature around us.
Nature in the UK is under threat, and we all have a part to play in the solution. The Natural History Museum and Dorset Museum need your students to become local experts, help observe and collect new data, and take action through science to make a real difference.
As part of this national project, Dorset Museum is offering schools free curriculum-linked workshops. Aimed at Key Stage 2, pupils will gain a unique opportunity to learn about extraordinary hidden worlds, mini-beasts, habitats and adaptations. Pupils will explore Dorset Museum’s hidden collection, discover how early scientists worked and develop their own scientific thinking. Inspired by the Dorset Museum’s incredible collection pupils will also make their own nature journal to take away.
- Duration of workshop: 2 hours
- Cost: FREE
- Aimed at: Key Stage 2
- Contact: [email protected] for more information or to book a workshop
- Explore the Urban Nature project