CURRENT EXHIBITION

Landscapes of Thomas Hardy's Wessex

Rob Pountney, David Inshaw and Dave Gunning showcase artworks inspired by landscapes from the work of Thomas Hardy.

Find out more about this fascinating exhibition.

JOIN OR VOLUNTEER

Become A Member Or Volunteer Today

From just £24 you can become a member of the Museum's Society and visit us as much as you like for free! Or volunteer and get actively involved with the preservation of Dorset's history and heritage.

FAMILY FUN

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 at Dorset County Museum.

DINOSAURS!

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.

ANCIENT DORSET

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.

VICTORIAN HALL

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.

NOVELISTS AND POETS

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 and activities

18/05/2012

Dorset's Legacy in Iron and Stone

Michael Wood
19/05/2012

Museums at Night

Dorset County Museum and other museums in Dorchester open after hours for Museums at Night
20/05/2012

Dorset Local History Group Field Visit

A visit to Sutton Poyntz and the Water Supply Museum
23/05/2012

The People's Poet

Talk by author Alan Chedzoy about his book "The People's Poet: William Barnes of Dorset".