Tomorrow's Museum for Dorset

Opening Summer 2020

Dorset County Museum closed in October 2018 for a two-year multi-million pound redevelopment. Complete with new galleries, a learning centre, collections storage, a library and visitor facilities the new Museum will become a cultural destination at the heart of Dorset’s community.

In the meantime, the Museum is continuing to inspire, educate and entertain all generations on its county-wide tour exhibiting in towns and at events across Dorset.

Owned and managed by the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, the Museum is an independent museum, receiving financial support from Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council.

Open to anyone with an interest in Dorset’s past to join, the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society is an educational charity with around 2000 members. The history of the Society and its Museum can be traced back to the mid 19th century, and its mission today is:

– The advancement of education for the general benefit of the public in the areas of archaeology, the natural sciences, natural history, literature, music, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.
– The acquisition, preservation, conservation, exhibition and development (as far as possible) of collections relating to archaeology, the natural sciences, natural history, literature, music, the fine and decorative arts, antiquities and local history relating to the County of Dorset.

OUR MISSIONS

Dorset County Museum is at the heart of one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Europe and holds collections of national significance.

Jonathan Williams, Deputy Director, British Museum

Dorset Country Museum

Tomorrows Museum for Dorset

Our aim is simple – Making Dorset Proud with a world-class contemporary museum and exhibition space, complete with new galleries, learning centre, collections storage, library and visitor facilities including a café and shop. With your support this can become a reality and ensure the long-term future of this valued and award-winning institution.

It will take time and money

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has decided the vision is worthy of national priority and has confirmed a grant of £11.34m, leaving the Museum a fundraising target of £3.9m. Great progress has been made – funds of £3.2m have already been raised from Trusts and Foundations, local authorities and generous individual donors. This is where we need your help. We need to raise £753,000 as quickly as possible to see the project through to completion.