Attraction in Dorchester
Dorset County Museum
High West Street
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 1XA
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Dorset County Museum is, in effect, the Museum of Dorset. Inside you will find displays of Dorset history from the earliest times, wildlife, archaeology, geology and famous figures from the past. The Victorian Hall is the central gallery of the Museum; here you can experience Dorset history in a fascinating array of objects from the Roman period to the present day including Roman pavements, medieval jewellery and fine art. Upstairs, the Dorchester Gallery follows the 6,000-year time-line of Dorchester.
The Jurassic Coast Geology tells the story of the whole of the Jurassic Coast and houses real fossils including giant sea reptiles, dinosaur footprints and armoured fish. You will also find interactive presentations featuring all 95 miles of UNESCO’s Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site.
The Writer’s Dorset Gallery explores the lives and works of Dorset writers from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day. The Museum has the largest Thomas Hardy collection in the world and displays diaries and photographs alongside a reconstruction of Hardy’s study from Max Gate, his Dorchester home.
The early history of Dorset can be traced in the Archaeology Gallery through thousands of objects excavated from barrows, settlements and hillforts including Neolithic axe-heads, Bronze Age gold ornaments and Iron Age warriors.
Free audioguides, museum trails and plenty of activities for children. Up to two accompanied children admitted free.
Details
Tourist Info Number: +44 (0)1305 252 352
Months Open: 1 April to 31 October - open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm.
1 November to 31 March - open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Conference Facilities: Yes - Jon Murden
Gift Shop: Yes
More Attractions nearby
Keep Military Museum (0.14 miles)
Maumbury Rings (0.18 miles)
Castleton Pumping Station (0.20 miles)
Tutankhamun Museum (0.25 miles)
The Dinosaur Museum (0.37 miles)
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