Dorset Museum in Dorchester is the county museum showcasing Dorset’s history from prehistoric times through to the present day. After major redevelopment, the museum features world-class collections including spectacular Roman mosaics from Dorchester’s villas, Bronze Age grave goods, Thomas Hardy’s reconstructed study, and extensive fossil collections. The museum explores Dorset’s role as a Jurassic Coast gateway, agricultural heritage, and social history. Notable displays include the massive Durnovaria mosaic, Iron Age Durotriges coinage, and Hardy manuscripts. The museum successfully combines serious scholarship with engaging presentation making Dorset’s rich heritage accessible. Temporary exhibitions add variety while permanent galleries provide comprehensive coverage. Located in Dorchester’s town center, the museum anchors heritage tourism while serving educational roles. The collections represent world-class archaeological and literary resources. Essential for understanding Dorset’s layered history and cultural significance.
Photo by Malc McDonald from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Dorset Museum
Location
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Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
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