Just months after reopening, Dorset Museum has been shortlisted in a competition to find the UK’s best museum.
Dorset Museum reopened in May after redevelopment and Covid restrictions and has now been shortlisted for Best Small Museum 2021 by charity Kids in Museums. Kids in Museums have been running the awards for over 15 years, it is the only museum award to be judged by families.
From April to June, families across the UK were asked to vote for their favourite heritage attractions on the Kids in Museums website. A panel of experts then shortlisted all the nominations to twenty, with Dorset Museum shortlisted alongside four other small museums from across the country in the Best Small Museum category.
The museum will now be visited by undercover judges who will assess the museum against the charity’s manifesto. Their experience at the museum will decide the winner, with finalists being named at a ceremony in October.
Dorset Museum details the story of the county’s past from the origins of the Jurassic Coast to the Romans and on to Thomas Hardy, the region’s best known author. The history of the county is presented across four permanent and accessible galleries, alongside a programme of seasonal exhibitions that include activities and events for families.
Speaking about the museum being shortlisted, Dr Jon Murden, Executive Director at Dorset Museum, told reporters: “Making families welcome and giving them an excellent experience has been at the heart of the project to reimagine Dorset Museum. Our team has been working in consultation with our local community to bring an exciting and engaging programme of activities for families to enjoy. Our galleries have also been designed with a range of needs in mind offering tactile and interactive displays that engage, inspire and bring our collection to life.
“We’re so proud to be shortlisted in the Kids in Museums’ Best Small Museum category so soon after opening our doors.”
Being more accessible to families has been one of the main aims in the recent refurbishments at the museum. The new look exhibitions include a range of accessible facilities including sensory backpacks, a calm space, buggy park and Changing Places toilets.
Find out more by visiting their website here.
