Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Being able to see dinosaur bones will help you bring history to life!

Amazing Archaeology

Marvel at objects from some of Britain’s most important archaeological sites. From spectacular Bronze Age gold and finds from Maiden Castle – one of Britain’s largest Iron Age hillforts – to treasures from Roman Dorchester. Let your fingers walk Dorset’s ancient landscape on a large touchscreen. Then, head forward in time to see the belongings of Dorset’s prestigious families alongside items revealing agricultural workers’ hard lives. Move on to 20th-century Dorset to see how inventive people, creativity and enterprise helped shape its recent history!

Literary Legends

A recreation of Hardy’s study includes his desk and personal belongings from his home at Max Gate on Dorchester’s outskirts. The Hardy’s Life room has childhood toys, family portraits, musical instruments – and music from the Hardy family’s music books. Hardy’s Writing features original manuscripts and touchscreens for browsing digital manuscripts and personal letters. In Hardy’s Wessex, you can explore his inspirations for locations on a touchscreen map and see paintings that bring them alive.

Creative Minds

An important part of the gallery is dedicated to the sculptor Elisabeth Frink, who lived and worked in Dorset for many years. Portraits by Thomas Gainsborough and George Romney are here, too. Alongside works by Cornish artist Alfred Wallis and Dorset-born sculptor Alfred Stevens. Get to know Chaldon Herring’s 1920s and 1930s creative community, including novelist Sylvia Townsend Warner and her partner, poet Valentine Ackland. Then, marvel at the beauty of men’s waistcoats from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Roman Mosaics

The Victorian Hall is at the heart of the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and our geology, archaeology, and natural history collections were once on display here. The hall has a stained-glass rose window and mezzanine overlooking genuine Roman mosaic floors – one of the very few in Europe that you can actually stand on.

Collections On View

Look through a glass wall into their superb collection store and watch important conservation and curatorial work take place in the Conservation studio. They also have a programme of temporary showcase displays on view outside the Collections Discovery Centre. They hold regular Store Tours that take visitors behind the scenes of the Collections Discovery Centre.

Why not take a peak at their special exhibitions like Gladiators of Britain? Where you can walk in the footsteps of gladiators and learn the history of gladiatorial contests?

Books, books, books

Spend some time in their stunning, light-filled library with its magnificent Victorian oriel window, coat of arms, carved arches and fireplace.

Accessible Information For Families

- There is a separate baby change facility on the Ground Floor.

- All of their accessible toilets are also baby change facilities.

- Their Story Space on the first floor is a quieter gallery space.

- Their Calm Space is provided for those needing some time out during their visit. Please ask the Welcome Team if you want to use the Calm Space.

- You are welcome to take buggies around the museum. There is also a small buggy park behind the Welcome area and lockers.

- The sensory backpacks are filled with activities and resources for the galleries, including ear defenders. Ask at the Welcome Desk to borrow one, or email ahead to book one. There is a small refundable deposit of £5 to pay.

Gift Shop

Remember your visit with a little something from the museum shop! They have a wonderful selection of pocket-money goodies for all ages.

Why We Think Families Will Love Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

The Dorset Museum and Art Gallery isn’t just a place to learn – it’s a place to create memories together. Whether you’re exploring the museum’s exhibits, participating in a creative workshop, or simply enjoying quality time as a family, every visit is packed with opportunities for fun and discovery. With so much to see and do, spending hours here is easy, making it the perfect all-weather activity for families.