We loved Dorchester Museum. We were a family of 5, with a very wide age difference and every exhibition room had something to interest and entertain all of us. The explanatory writings, videos and interactive screens were really well done and extremely informative and interesting. The contents of the exhibitions were fascinating and were well laid-out for easy viewing. The staff were welcoming and helpful. A really good few hours and lots for us to discuss at the time and afterwards. Thank you.

We started our visit in the cafe and whilst there realised there was an Elisabeth Frink exhibition. We decided to go and weren't disappointed, it was excellent. (January visit) We returned again in February to see the rest of the Museum and must say that it is a light, roomy, place with fantastic facilities and exhibits. The Thomas Hardy collection, a must. It is a shame more people in West Dorset are not aware that they have such a fantastic Museum in their area. The price of entry, though a little high, entitles you to a whole year of visiting, so is well worth it. Incidentally the cafe serves delicious food at reasonable prices too!

We visited for the Elizabeth Frink exhibition which was fascinating. Snippets from her creative life and art. Recommended. As this took about an hour or so we also explored a couple of other permanent exhibitions. They're great and we will be back with family. Child friendly for 5 upwards.

Having lived in the area for some time this was our first visit. As recorded we have used the restaurant for coffee and this time bookended our visit with a coffee and later lunch. Both excellent with efficient, smiley and friendly service. The Museum has a modern look and reception was friendly with helpful advice at the payment counter and before we entered the actual museum. Gift Aided our entry fee with no additional cost - unlike the NT who charge an extra 10%!! There is an excellent extensive temporary exhibition of the work of Elisabeth Frick, a sculptor, who lived locally for many years. Also the area dedicated to Thomas Hardy was informative and well laid out. Many people probably go for the archaeology stretching from the Palaeolithic period to Medieval times. Again this is well laid out with some wonderful exhibits and interesting and informative information. The history of Dorchester and the surrounding parts of Dorset is also well covered. One of the best, if not the best, museum we have visited. Our entry ticket permits free entry for a year so we will soon be going back.

This exhibition succeeds so well in helping an understanding of who Elizabeth Frink was, what she produced in Dorset at her studios and why she did so. What more can you ask - it's a perfect exhibition. And of course the art itself, of such breathtakingly high quality, can then speak for itself.

Brilliant county Museum for Dorset based in an old hall and new extension. We had one of the warmest welcomes ever from the lovely staff and volunteer guides. .The three floors are dedicated to different aspects of Dorset history - the Archaeology, Natural Dorset, the people and the artists. The exhibits are well spaced out and have very informative and interesting information about the objects. The archaeological finds including the newly found fossilised Pliosaur are incredible. There are very clear explanations of the county's geology and landscapes. You can even walk on two amazing Roman mosaics found locally! There is a good museum shop and a very cosy looking cafe. It's a must visit when in Dorset to understand the history and landscape. We will be back.

Do visit this wonderful museum if you are in Dorchester. It has been beautifully restored inside with a contemporary vibe and the collection is outstanding. You can enjoy fossils, early history, the Romans with several amazing mosaics, Thomas Hardy, portraits and a great exhibition of Elizabeth Frink's work. The staff are friendly and very well-informed and there's a good cafe.

Awesome museum! Loved the Roman mosaic, especially as we could walk on it. It's in a beautiful building. Amazing fossils from Dorset, with ichthyosaurs and a feature on Mary Anning. Price you pay lasts for a year and there is plenty to see.

A charming lady made us feel so welcomed and special and was so helpful at directing us when we asked for specific areas of interest. The actual museum is packed with treasures from ancient and less ancient Dorset, with great labelling and just the right amount of explanation. I learnt a lot. A great experience all round. There's also a café and lockers so you can dump your stuff.

What an amazing museum, by far the best I have been to. The exhibition rooms were light and modern and the exhibits really well curated. Staff were friendly and helpful. I am a huge Elizabeth Frink fan. Both the permanent and special exhibitions were fabulous Keep up the good work