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Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Dorchester, Dorset

  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
  • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

High West Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA

Tel: 01305 756827

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Come and explore 250 million years of history at the Dorset Museum!

Located in the centre of Dorchester this award-winning Museum is one of the cultural centres of Dorset with four themed galleries, special exhibitions area, library and café.

Our Natural Dorset gallery reveals the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife.

Discover the work and life of Dorset-born novelist and poet Thomas Hardy and draw on the world’s largest Thomas Hardy collection, which is on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The Hardy’s Dorset gallery also includes a replica of his study at Max Gate

People’s Dorset starts in the Palaeolithic and travels through half a million years of people’s history. Marvel at spectacular Bronze Age gold, finds from Iron Age Maiden Castle, treasures from Roman Dorchester, and objects that reveal much more recent stories of Dorset’s people.

Artists’ Dorset has paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art from the Museum’s collection including works by the artist Elisabeth Frink..

A new international-standard exhibition gallery hosting major touring and temporary exhibitions

An accessible, state-of-the art ‘Collections Discovery Centre’ which will provide optimal storage space for the collection and create 20 years of collecting capacity for the Museum and other partner museums in the county

The Museum is equipped with up-to-date facilities for collections management, research and conservation. And a specially created, publicly visible space for volunteers and researchers to work on the collections and visitor’s to see the behind-the-scenes workings of a Museum

Enjoy all the new facilities including a new café and shop.

Open daily from 10.00am - 5.00pm

Nearby...

Dorchester Events

18 Jul 2025 to 20 Jul 2025
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
26 Jul 2025 to 27 Jul 2025
Frampton Arms Ale and Cider Festival
16 August 2025
The Big Bad Wolf
25 August 2025
Anonymous Festival
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Latest Dorchester Features

23 Jun 2025
Dorset's Ultimate Summer Holiday! 18 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2025 From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery Here are 18 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list! 1. Dorset ... Read more...
23 Jun 2025
The Great Garden Trail of Dorset The Great Garden Trail of Dorset — showcasing the very best in English garden design, planting and history. World famous for its camellia groves and magnolias and with its own micro climate, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens cover more than 30 acres and has a plant collection of over 6,000 species from around the world. Highlights include the Mediterranean bank and lily ponds, the Burma Rope Bridge and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Situated close to Dorchester, ... Read more...
9 Jun 2025
Dog-Friendly Dorset A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset. Dog-Friendly Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of dog and pet friendly accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the ... Read more...
3 Jun 2025
What's New Summer 2025 Fresh Faces on the Local Scene Dorset is buzzing with new beginnings. From foodie spots to attractions and summer events, the county is welcoming a wave of fresh ventures. Whether you're a local looking for your next favourite spot or a visitor curious about Dorset, here’s a round-up of the latest businesses making their mark, each bringing something unique to the table. Back in March, The Quay Inn on Poole Quay, formerly a JD Wetherspoon pub- closed its doors. Never ... Read more...
15 May 2025
Half-term Events in Dorset So, it’s the May half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained! Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...

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