About Dorset county museum
Dorset County Museum: A World-Class Contemporary Museum Celebrating 250 Million Years of History
Welcome to the Dorset County Museum, a world-class contemporary museum that celebrates 250 million years of history. Located in the heart of Dorchester, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage and natural history of this beautiful county.
The Dorset County Museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the fascinating history and culture of Dorset. From prehistoric fossils to Roman mosaics, medieval manuscripts to Victorian costumes, there is something here for everyone.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Jurassic Coast fossils. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches along 95 miles (153 km) from East Devon to Dorset. It boasts some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Europe and has been dubbed "the dinosaur coast" due to its abundance of fossilized remains from prehistoric times.
The museum's fossil collection includes specimens from all over Dorset, including ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and even a complete skeleton of a pliosaur - one of the largest marine reptiles ever discovered.
In addition to its fossil collection, the museum also houses exhibits on local geology and natural history. Visitors can learn about how geological processes have shaped this landscape over millions of years and discover more about local flora and fauna.
Another highlight at the museum is its extensive art collection. The Fine Art Gallery features works by some famous artists such as Thomas Hardy's paintings which are displayed alongside works by other notable artists such as Henry Lamb or Augustus John who were inspired by their time spent in Dorchester or nearby areas like Lyme Regis or Weymouth Bay.
The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year showcasing contemporary art from both local artists as well as those further afield. These exhibitions are always well-curated and provide a fascinating insight into the latest trends in contemporary art.
The museum's history collection is equally impressive, with exhibits covering everything from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore the lives of Dorset's earliest inhabitants, learn about the county's role in the English Civil War, and discover more about its rich maritime heritage.
One of the most popular exhibits at the museum is its Victorian Hall. This beautifully restored room features a range of Victorian artifacts and furniture, including a grand piano that once belonged to Thomas Hardy himself.
The museum also has an extensive library and archive that contains over 50,000 books, manuscripts, photographs, maps and other documents relating to Dorset's history. Researchers are welcome to use these resources for their own projects or simply browse through them for pleasure.
In addition to its permanent collections and exhibits, the Dorset County Museum also hosts a range of events throughout the year. These include talks by guest speakers on topics ranging from local history to natural science; workshops on arts and crafts; guided walks around Dorchester; film screenings; concerts; family-friendly activities such as storytelling sessions or craft workshops for children during school holidays.
Overall, if you're looking for an engaging way to explore Dorset's rich cultural heritage and natural history then look no further than The Dorset County Museum. With its world-class collections of fossils, art works & historical artefacts alongside regular events & exhibitions there is something here for everyone!