CUTTING EDGE

a history of human hair

3 July to 2 October Why do we have hair? What is it made of? What can live in it? Find out in this exciting new family exhibition with plenty of activities for all ages. Find out more about the Cutting Edge show

MURDER IN THE MUSEUM

For a great night out with friends, Murder in the Museum on Friday 10 December will provide an evening of drama, sleuthing and entertainment in the atmospheric Victorian Hall. Tickets cost just £20 and include a buffet meal. See full details of Murder in the Museum.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Dorset County Museum is a great place for families. Visitors of all ages will enjoy its fantastic galleries and collections and children can follow one of our Museum Trails while they explore the Museum. See details of regular family activities during school holidays at Dorset County Museum.

WELCOME

Discover Dorset in depth at Dorset County Museum and explore the story of the county from prehistory to the present day.

Meet Dorset’s real dinosaurs in the Jurassic Coast Gallery and learn about the giant creatures that once roamed the lands and seas which existed before Dorset was even created - and how their remains formed landscape we know today.

Dig down into the Archaeology Gallery, which will lead you on a tour from prehistoric to Roman Dorset, and see the skeletons of ancient Britons brutally murdered at Maiden Castle.

Visit the nostalgic and atmospheric Victorian Hall, one of the few places in Europe you can follow in the footsteps of ancient Romans by actually walking on Roman mosaic floors, and discover the 6000 year history of Dorchester.

Read up in ‘A Writer’s Dorset' and learn about the county’s cultural history. Visit Thomas Hardy’s study, see the recently acquired Hardy Players’ Theatre, absorb the atmosphere in the room dedicated to poet William Barnes room and explore the lives and works of all Dorset’s literary greats.

Latest events & activities

Upstairs, Downstairs: The History of the Country House Servant

10/09/2010
Jeremy Musson is an historian, author and broadcaster who writes about the subjects he loves: architecture, history, the arts and people of culture. This talk is about his latest book and explores the hidden history of the domestic servant.

Museum Club - Fossil Day

11/09/2010
Museum Club events are held on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm. These events are for members only but you are more than welcome to come along and join on the day (7-14year olds, under 8s must be accompanied by an adult).

The Sheridans at Frampton Court

17/09/2010
An illustrated talk by the renowned literary historian and Barnes scholar, Dr Alan Chedzoy, about the history of the Sheridan family and their home at Frampton Court.

Autumn Book Sale

25/09/2010
Bumper sale of second hand books and Society publications.

Autumn Book Sale

27/09/2010
Bumper sale of second hand books and Society publications.