Galleries
Let us take you on a journey spanning 250 million years, and explore Dorset’s natural world, archaeology, history, art, and culture along the way.
Fascinating objects, films, audio, and touchscreens tell Dorset’s stories in exciting new ways, across four galleries of internationally and nationally important collections.
With lots of interactive and touch objects, a peaceful Story Space, stunning films, and listen-in points, there is plenty here to keep everyone happy.
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Opening hours:
Daily: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Sunday: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 4.00pm -
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For more information
[email protected]
Natural Dorset
What's Inside
See 250 million years of natural history come alive as Natural Dorset reveals the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife.
Hardy's Dorset
What's Inside
Discover the life and work of Dorset’s famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) and dive into key themes of his personal and professional life.
People's Dorset
What's Inside
Sweep through around 500,000 years of people’s history, from the Palaeolithic to the present day, on Dorset’s key themes of land, sea and community.
Artists' Dorset
What's Inside
Enjoy a beautiful gallery full of the Museum’s superb collections of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, fine and decorative art.
The Victorian Hall
What To See
Marvel at the historic Victorian Hall, Staircase and the modern Acheson’s Atrium, and the Roman mosaics that adorn the walls and floors of these spaces.
Collections Discovery Centre
What's Inside
This is where we look after our collection of four million objects. Look through a glass wall onto our main collection store, and watch important conservation and curatorial work in our Conservation Studio.