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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.

Nearby...

Dorchester Events

20 Dec 2023 to 22 Dec 2023
Breakfast with Father Christmas
03 Dec 2023 to 23 Dec 2023
Elf Workshop
27 Nov 2023 to 23 Dec 2023
Shire Hall - Christmas Afternoon Tea
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Latest Dorchester Features

7 Nov 2023
Ice Skating in Dorset Christmas is nearly here and there’s a fun way to get you in the festive spirit — by ice skating in Dorset! Nothing beats wrapping up, getting your skates on and heading out to glide (or stumble) across the ice, before treating yourself to a delicious hot chocolate afterwards. Whether you’re a cling-to-the-side kind of skater or have a Torville and Dean style, ice skating is a fab activity for all and a great way to get together with friends and family to have ... Read more...
4 Nov 2023
Dorset’s Christmas Markets and Festive Fairs ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks. If you’re getting organised with your shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts; if delicious food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to get you in the ... Read more...
1 Nov 2023
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little ones will want to meet the real deal this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences for you and your family to do just that. So why not take a look at the festive fun to be found in Dorset this year. Read more...
1 Oct 2023
Half-term Fun in Dorset So, it’s the 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 seasons. Our Resort family has children of different ages and here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too! Fossil Hunting – you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware of the tide times, stay away from ... Read more...
26 Sep 2023
Halloween Events in Dorset The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time! It's scary how much there is to choose from... Halloween Events Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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