Come and explore 250 million years of history at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
Located in the centre of Dorchester this award-winning Museum is one of the cultural centres of Dorset with four permanent galleries, a special exhibitions gallery, a Learning Centre, and a Collections Discovery Centre with conservation studio. The historic building also includes a Community Space, Shop, Café, and Library. The building is fully accessible, with a Changing Places Toilet, Calm Space, and sensory resources to support neurodiverse visitors.
The Natural Dorset Gallery reveals the secrets of the county’s geology, landscapes, habitats, and wildlife. Collections from well-known figures including Alfred Russell Wallace, Charles Darwin, and Mary Anning are on display, telling the global story of the early formation of our planet and the species that have evolved.
The Hardy's Dorset Gallery holds the unique and internationally significant collection and archive of Thomas Hardy, including original manuscripts, first editions of his works and personal items not available anywhere else in the world. Also on display in the gallery is a replica of Hardy’s study at Max Gate.
The People’s Dorset Gallery has highly significant archaeological collections, exploring 500,000 years of people’s history from the Palaeolithic to the present day.
The Artists’ Dorset Gallery contains paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, textiles, and fine and decorative art by well-known artists including Thomas Gainsborough, Alfred Wallis and Dame Elisabeth Frink.
Open daily from 10:00am – 5:00pm
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Access (avg.)
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Parking (avg.)
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Toilets (avg.)
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Staff (avg.)
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The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to all areas.
Seating is available at regular intervals
There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.
The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.
There is at least one wheelchair-accessible food and beverage outlet on site.
There is step-free access to all or most areas. This may include access by ramp or lift.
Accessible parking bays are available nearby within 50 metres of the entrance.
There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.
There is an accessible train station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.
There is a Changing Places toilet with a shower, which includes an adult-sized changing bench, toilet, sink, hoist and shower.
A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.
There is a Changing Places toilet, which includes an adult-size changing bench, toilet, sink and hoist.
BSL interpretation is available.
Information is available in large print format.
Information is available in Braille format.
Information is available in audio format.
Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.
Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.
A designated quiet space or room is available.
Personal or general emergency evacuation plans are in place for disabled customers.
Designated quiet times are available, during which noise levels are reduced to meet the needs of visitors with sensory sensitivities.
There is an assistive listening system available e.g. a hearing loop.
A selection of food is offered for a range of dietary requirements.
A carers discount is available.
Wi-Fi is available for customers.
Online booking is available.
A map or floorplan showing accessibility facilities is available.
For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: enquiries@dorsetmuseum.org
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High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, England, United Kingdom, DT1 1XA
If you believe the information displayed on this page is not up to date or the venue has closed, please send us an email at hello@euansguide.com
Information not up to date?
If you believe the information displayed on this page is not up to date or the venue has closed, please send us an email at hello@euansguide.com
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