Dorset Museum

Reimagining a cultural landmark for the future

Client

Dorset Museum

Location

Dorchester, Dorset

RIBA Work Stages

3-7

Services

Architecture, Principal Designer

Overview

The transformation of Dorset Museum has revitalised one of the county’s most important cultural institutions, creating a contemporary destination for learning, discovery and engagement while preserving its rich heritage. The £10.4 million redevelopment combines restoration, extension and modernisation, ensuring the museum can continue to share Dorset’s stories with future generations.

Appointed as Project Architect and Principal Designer, BoonBrown guided the scheme from amendments to the approved planning design through to completion, helping deliver a sensitive balance between historic character and contemporary functionality.

Creating space for collections and visitors

The redevelopment introduced a substantial new wing alongside major enhancements to the existing museum. New facilities include four galleries, an exhibition space, restaurant, shop, library and large subterranean collection stores, providing significantly improved amenities for visitors, staff and researchers alike.

At the heart of the extension, a striking atrium showcases the Fordington mosaic, carefully conserved and relocated to become a focal point of the visitor experience. Climate-controlled galleries and collection spaces were integrated throughout, ensuring the long-term preservation of nationally significant artefacts and archives.

Preserving the past while looking forward

A key challenge of the project was creating a contemporary museum environment within a highly sensitive heritage context. The design carefully balances historic restoration with modern interventions, allowing the museum to meet the expectations of a 21st-century visitor attraction while respecting the character of the original building.

The result is a museum that offers greater accessibility, improved interpretation and enhanced exhibition opportunities, creating a richer and more engaging experience for visitors.

Lasting impact

The Dorset Museum redevelopment demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock the potential of heritage buildings while safeguarding their future. By enhancing the museum’s facilities, expanding access to collections and creating welcoming new visitor spaces, the project strengthens the museum’s role as a cultural anchor for Dorset and beyond.

SHORTLISTED

Heritage Project of the Year
Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year

At a glance

Scale

£10.4 million transformation including a new wing, four galleries, exhibition space, restaurant, shop, library and collection stores.

Design

Sensitive integration of historic buildings with contemporary gallery and visitor spaces.

Sustainability

Extensive restoration and adaptation of an existing heritage asset for long-term cultural use.

Wellbeing

Enhanced galleries, public spaces and visitor amenities create a more engaging and accessible experience.

Community

A revitalised cultural hub supporting education, research, events and community engagement across Dorset.

Impact

Transforming a treasured heritage institution into a world-class cultural destination for future generations.