Storytelling tours
Sunday 24 and Monday 25 May, 10.30am, 12pm, 2.30pm
Join performer Louise Jordan for a lively guided tour that brings Poole Museum to life. These one hour fun, informal tours are full of personality, and a great way to see the museum differently.
Storytelling tours
Dunkirk Talks
Telling Stories in Clay
Power of Poole
Slomo Sanctuary: Sound Bath and Celestial Sound Awakening
Plan your visit
Getting here
Getting here is a breeze - whether you’re hopping on a train, catching a bus, cruising in by car, pedalling your bike, scooting along the quay, or just strolling in on foot. We’re right in the heart of Poole’s Old Town, so however you travel, you’re never far from a good story.
Opening times and admission
We welcome visitors year-round - and we're free to enter (yes, really!). To make the most of your visit, check our latest opening hours, seasonal schedules and the booking fees for our events and activities (hint - they're low cost!)
Accessibility and inclusion
We’re all about creating a space where everyone feels at home - whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a culture buff.
We’re committed to making Poole Museum and Scaplen's Court an inclusive, accessible place where every visitor can enjoy their experience fully, comfortably, and confidently.
The Old Town Salt Pig café
Our cosy café is the perfect pit stop - whether you’re fuelling up before your visit, taking a mid-exploration breather, or winding down after a day of exploring. Expect tasty treats, refreshing drinks, and a warm welcome.
Textural Form I Atmospheric Colour I History
A collaborative exhibition by David Pointer & Kathryn Thomas
23 May - 7 June 2026
Step into a conversation between form and colour, earth and light during Dorset Art Weeks. Expect history, craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity to meet in surprising and beautiful ways.
Current exhibitions
Power of Poole
Running until August 2026, discover the spark behind the skyline of Poole Harbour, where the iconic Poole Power Station stood proud for over 45 years as a symbol of modern Britain. This exhibition brings together newly acquired objects and rarely seen items from our stores to tell the story of Poole Power Station.
Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration
Running in The Fine Gallery until 21 June 2026, peek behind the curtain of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists of the 20th century, Lucian Freud. This touring exhibition from the V&A showcases rare trial prints gathered by Freud's long-time collaborator, master printer Marc Balakjian.
Coasts in Mind: A Lifetime of Change
Explore 100 years of change in Poole Harbour using the pictures, objects and stories of the people who live here. This exhibition is rooted in local knowledge and continues to grow as new stories are shared and long-forgotten images resurface. Coasts in Mind is a Museum of London Archaeology project.
The mystery of the bombardon
Meet one of the most intriuging residents of our Shipwreck! Gallery - a mysterious brass instrument recovered from the wreck of the 'Kyarra', an Australian ship torpedoed off Swanage in 1918. Long thought to be a humble euphonium, this instrument has been hiding a much bigger story...
Discover our galleries!
Take a quick peak at our galleries (before you come and visit of course!)
Poole Museum being free to visit is something we’re really proud of - and we’d love to keep it that way! Donations help us care for the building, look after the collections, and keep everything ready for future visits. A little support goes a long way and we really appreciate anything you can offer, big or small.
Visiting with a group
Organising a group outing with 10+ people? Get in touch with our friendly team before your visit and we’ll let you in on some great offers designed just for groups.
Whether you're a club, a language school, or just a bunch of curious minds, we’ve got something exciting waiting for you!
Weddings, events and hire
Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court & Garden are amazing venues, perfect for celebrations, creative community events and fun stuff.
We’re currently offering bespoke bookings while we get to know the building better following its refurbishment. That means we don’t have set prices or packages just yet - instead, we’ll work with you to create something that suits your needs.
Email us to find out more - we can't wait to hear from you!
Treasure awaits in the museum shop
Step into a world of curious finds and coastal charm! From locally crafted gifts to history-inspired keepsakes, our shop is brimming with delightful discoveries. Whether you're hunting for the perfect present or a memento of your visit, there's something special waiting for you.
Consider staying
a while
Local, seasonal, and seriously tasty.
Tucked inside Scaplen’s Court on the ground floor, The Old Town Salt Pig serves up legendary quiches, tasty sausage rolls, vibrant salads, and sweet treats – all made with local sustainable ingredients.
Eat in, enjoy alfresco, or grab something on the go – it‘s your call.
Good food. Great coffee. Zero fuss.
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