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Dorset Museum

Dorchester, Dorset

  • Dorset Museum
  • Dorset Museum
  • Dorset Museum
  • Dorset Museum

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.

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Latest Dorchester Features

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...
2 Aug 2023
Things to do on a rainy day in Dorset Dorset is blessed with countless scenic locations to explore in the summer months, from Durdle Door to Portland Bill there are plenty of beauty spots and outdoor activities to enjoy. But what about those rainy days in Dorset when the number one priority is keeping dry? We’ve compiled a list of fantastic Dorset attractions and activities to keep you and your family entertained when the rain takes hold. Rainy Day Attractions & Activities in Dorset What else ... Read more...
17 Jul 2023
Top things to do in Dorset! Top things to do in Dorset this Summer! Here is a snapshot of some of the great things to do taken from Resort Dorset. 1. Hop on the Swanage Railway, sit back and let your senses take you back in time! 2. Take a break from the beach and visit one of Dorset’s delightful gardens, Sherborne Castle, Compton Acres, Mapperton Estate, Athelhampton and Abbotsbury Gardens have some of the most beautiful grounds. Take a leisurely stroll and build up the appetite for tea and ... Read more...
2 Apr 2023
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. Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of 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 perfect holiday for you and your ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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