Dorset County Museum launches COVID-19 fundraising appeal

Dorset County Museum is launching an appeal for more funding after the 'dramatic' impact of COVID-19.

Since 2018, builders, architects, electricians and others have been hard at work refurbishing the museum.

But, the £16 million redevelopent project needs more funding to remedy the effect the pandemic is having.

The museum is expected to reopen in February 2021, but the postponement means new costs to bring the museum to life have arisen.

Dr Jon Murden, Director, said:

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has got this very ambitious project to this critical stage, and are incredibly excited about sharing with you on reopening the transformed galleries and hidden treasures discovered through the project.

"We’ve launched this appeal today, putting this project back into public hands, to help us meet our goals in these critical final months.

"From a small gift of just £5 to an even bigger donation, we would appreciate any support you can give to help open the doors of what will be a fantastic cultural experience for those who live in or love Dorset.”

The museum has been adapting to the pandemic by running online talks and tours for groups and schools. They're also doing virtual handling sessions where you can get up close and personal with the artefacts.

It will bring together 250 million years of Dorset's history and display collections of national and international significance.

If you'd like to donate, go to https://dorsetcountymuseum.org/funding/