If you’re looking the perfect summer adventure in the heart of Dorset’s County town, look no further than Dorset Museum & Art Gallery (DMAG). DMAG invites visitors to immerse themselves in history with interactive and engaging exhibits spanning archaeology, natural history, art, social history, and literature.
The museum offers something for everyone - whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun day out with the family. Here are some fantastic experiences to help you explore all that the museum has to offer.
1. Holiday by the Sea with Jane Austen
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775. To celebrate, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery have opened a temporary exhibition that explores the sea as a setting for Austen’s fictional worlds and its influence on her. Covering leisure, fashion, entertainment and wellbeing at the seaside during the Regency era and with opportunities to dress up and step into Austen’s world, you can truly live your best Regency life! After visiting the exhibition, consider exploring the seaside towns that inspired Austen’s writing, such as Weymouth and Lyme Regis.
2. Discover Fossil Finds of the Jurassic Coast
Did you know that Dorset is home to some of the most significant fossil discoveries in the world? The Museum proudly showcases remarkable specimens form the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and explores the contributions of key figures such as Mary Anning. Find out how these discoveries put Dorset on the map for fossil hunters, and the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats and wildlife in the Natural Dorset Gallery.
3. Explore the Life and Works of Thomas Hardy
Fans of literature will be thrilled to find a dedicated gallery to Thomas Hardy, one of Britain’s most celebrated authors who called Dorset home. Dive into key themes of his personal and professional life using an internationally recognised archive that was placed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2012.
4. Connect with Art
Art lovers can explore DMAG’s diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles and decorative arts in the Artists’ Dorset Gallery. Artists on display include William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough, Alfred Wallis and Elisabeth Frink.
5. Step Back in Time
Explore 500,000 years of human history from the Palaeolithic to the present day on Dorset’s key themes of land sea and community. On display in the People’s Dorset Gallery are objects from important archaeological sites, including finds from Maiden Castle, one of Britain’s largest Iron Age hillforts, and the Roman Town House in Dorchester, the country’s only fully exposed urban house. You can also walk on real Roman mosaics in the Victorian Hall – Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is one of the only places in the world where this is possible!
6. Get Involved with Activities and Events
Discover our remarkable collections with a behind the scenes tour of the Collections Discovery Centre. Dive deep into fascinating topics with talks from experts passionate about history, heritage, archaeology, and more. Unleash your creativity with one of our drop-in family arts and craft sessions or take part in a trail throughout our galleries. There’s so much on at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery for visitors of all ages.
Plan Your Visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is a place to connect with 250 million years of history. From archaeology to dinosaur bones and the story of Mary Anning, the archive of Thomas Hardy and the Elisabeth Frink collection and much, much more, there really is something for everyone. Head over to Dorchester this summer for an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, learning and fun!
For more information on opening times and the answers to frequently asked questions, visit our website or follow us on social media (@dorsetmuseum). We look forward to welcoming you to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery soon!
