Exhibiting With Us
Are you an artist or group interested in exhibiting in one of our spaces?
Read on before deciding whether to submit a proposal and which space could suit you.
We receive many proposals, and can only select a small number of exhibitions each year. Every proposal is discussed by a panel that meets around three times a year, so please do not expect an immediate response. We try to acknowledge every proposal.
Would you like to submit a proposal?
- Email (not more than 2 sides of A4) an outline of your proposed exhibition to [email protected]
- Let us know which space your proposal is for.
- Attach digital example images to your email, but do not send or deliver any original or unique materials, as we cannot guarantee their return.
- If your proposal meets our aims, we will get in touch to ask for more information.
Important Announcement
On Friday 2nd June 2023 the cafe TASTE at Dorset Museum cafe will be closed from 2pm
for a private function.
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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 Annual Pass or Day Entry booked online using discount code DM01
Book now -
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For more information
[email protected]

Special Exhibitions
For high-quality exhibitions expected to attract large visitor numbers. Exhibitions in this 125m2 space are planned for at least two years. We curate our own exhibitions, hire touring exhibitions and work in partnership with national and regional museums to display prestigious loans from across the country.
Every proposal is measured against set criteria by our panel, which meets three times a year. Our priority is to programme high-quality exhibitions, which balance commercial sustainability with access to both our own collections and those of other Museums and widen engagement with target audiences.

The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space
For local artists, artists exploring local themes, community or local heritage groups. This multi-functional space on the Museum’s ground floor can display a small number of 2D works. We welcome proposals from local artists, artists exploring local themes, community or local heritage groups who are interested in using the space to exhibit work generated by projects they are engaged in. Please note that this space is also used for meetings and events so will only be open to the public at set times.
What's On
18 February - 22 June 2023
The Art of Seeing: An exhibition of photographs by Dorchester Camera Club
The Club is delighted to have this opportunity to exhibit some of their members’ prints in the Dorset Museum together with an audio-visual presentation.
Find out more22 March - 25 June 2023
ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois
Explore the work of Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010), one of the most important figures of modern and contemporary art. This spring Dorset Museum will show a major presentation of her work in this ARTIST ROOMS touring exhibition featuring works jointly owned by Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland.
Find out more29 March - 9 July 2023
PJ Harvey – Orlam
Dorset Museum is now displaying an archive of material relating to PJ Harvey’s verse novel Orlam.
Find out more4 June 2023, 10:00am-12:00noon
Louise Bourgeois’ Weaving | ArtyFacts
Help us to create a wonderful woven installation in our Sculpture Courtyard inspired by spider's webs and the artworks of Louise Bourgeois.
Find out more4 June 2023, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Dorchester Through the Lens of Thomas Hardy | Mark Chutter
Join Mark Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, to explore how Hardy presents the town of Dorchester in his writing.
Find out more10 June 2023, 10:00am - 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 2023, 10:00am - 12:00noon
Roman Town House Tours
A guided tour of one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England.
Find out more21 June 2023, 2:00pm - 2:45pm
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 June 2023, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
FREE | Museum After Hours
Join us for an opportunity to explore the Museum at this FREE late opening.
Find out more