Our Mission

Vision

Inspire and connect people with our shared natural and cultural heritage.

Mission

Showcasing our world-class collections, we inspire visitors to make personal connections and deepen their understanding. We do this through storytelling, high quality exhibitions, events, learning and research.

Strategic Aims

  • To be a nationally and internationally recognised destination, putting Dorset on the map.
  • To care for and showcase our world-class collections.
  • To enable learning and research.
  • To be financially sustainable.
  • To bring equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.
  • Respond actively and responsibly to the climate and biodiversity emergency.

Membership

Become A Member Today!

Become a member of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society today and get a deeper insight into 250 million years of Dorset’s history, while you help protect its rich heritage for future generations.

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Talks

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Community Exhibition

10 July - 23 October 2024.

Sensing the Past

"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

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Special Exhibition

19 July - 3 November 2024

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

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Family Activity

14 October - 3 November 2024

Totally Chaotic History Museum Trail

This October Half Term, take part in the Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween trail and explore spooky objects, folk tales and stories from the past.

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Tours

23 October 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Store Tour

Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.

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Storytelling

24 October 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.

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Open Evening

Thursday 24th October, 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Teacher Open Evening

Join the Learning and Engagement Team on Thursday 24th October for our Teacher Open Evening. Teachers and school staff are invited to meet the Learning…

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Special Event

24 October 2024, 7pm

The Year Clock

The Year Clock is a play that delves deep into the themes of language, speech, and human communication. It focuses on the life and legacy of William Barnes, a self-educated Dorset teacher and parson who lived from 1801 to 1886.

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Friday 25th October, 11:00-12:00

Exhibition Tour: Wildlife Photographer of the Year

  Join us every Friday at 11:00 for a free tour of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with our trained museum guides! This…

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Family Activity

26 October - 3 November 2024

Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween Trail

This October Half Term, take part in the Cabinets of Curiosities Halloween trail and explore spooky objects, folk tales and stories from the past.

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