Poole Museum'sredevelopment
Poole Museum has been transformed through a £10.3 million redevelopment, made possible with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
This ambitious project has reimagined the museum as a vibrant museum, gallery and cultural hub, enriching the experience of Poole Quay and the Old Town and creating even more reasons to visit, explore and enjoy.
Owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the redevelopment carefully conserved, restored and remodelled all three of the museum’s listed buildings, blending historic character with exciting new spaces.
Accessibility has been at the heart of the transformation, with major improvements including a new lift in Scaplen’s Court for the first time, an upgraded lift in Oakley’s Mill, and enhanced accessible facilities throughout.
Best of all, general admission has remained free, making it easier than ever for more people to discover, enjoy and return to Poole Museum time and again.
Read an article on the redevelopment in the Conservation and Heritage Journal.
An accessible museum
Over time, Poole Museum had simply outgrown its spaces, making it harder for everyone to fully explore the collections and historic buildings. The redevelopment has changed that, creating a museum designed for today: more open, more accessible, and more welcoming from the moment you arrive.
Accessibility has been at the heart of the transformation. From improved routes into the museum to new seating, ramps and better connections between buildings, getting around is now easier than ever. Inside, step-free access across the ground floor and brand-new accessible lifts, including one in Scaplen’s Court for the first time, mean more of the museum can be enjoyed by everyone.
But it’s not just about the buildings. Thoughtful design, staff training and inclusive resources, including our new sensory backpacks which we'll be getting soon, help create a space where all visitors can feel comfortable, confident and inspired.
The result? A museum that’s open to all, ready to be explored, and full of opportunities to learn, connect and discover - together.
Sustainability at Poole Museum
The redevelopment hasn’t just refreshed the museum, it’s made it greener too.
From solar panels on the roof to smarter insulation and energy-saving systems, every detail has been designed to reduce carbon emissions and care for the environment.
Behind the scenes, a 'sustainability-first' approach has guided everything - from low-impact materials and efficient construction to water-saving measures, recycling and working with local suppliers. It’s all part of building a museum that’s ready for the future, as well as the past.
You’ll see this focus throughout the museum, especially in the Harbour Lifeexhibition, where big ideas take centre stage - from sustainable fishing and marine ecology to the impact of trade and climate change. Interactive displays invite visitors to explore how people and the environment are connected, and what that means for the future.
Even the historic Town Cellars share this story, highlighting rising sea levels and the challenges of protecting heritage in a changing climate.
And the journey starts as soon as you arrive, with the welcome spaces offering a glimpse into the museum’s green initiatives, and a little inspiration to take away, too. Together, these changes make Poole Museum not just a place to explore history, but a place that’s thinking ahead, balancing heritage with a commitment to a more sustainable future.
Our sincere thanks
The transformation of Poole Museum has been made possible thanks to the incredible support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Heritage England, and BCP Council, alongside a number of other incredible partners and supporters (listed below in alphabetical order) to whom we extend our absolute heartfelt thanks.
- The Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Charitable Foundation
- Arts Council England
- BCP Council
- The Fine Family Foundation
- The Finnis-Scott Foundation
- Garfield Weston Foundation
- The Headley Trust
- The Hendy Foundation
- Historic England
- Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- Pilgrim Trust
- Poole Arts Society
- Poole BID
- Poole Museum Foundation
- Poole Museum Society
- The Steel Charitable Trust
- Talbot Village Trust
- UK Government
- The Valentine Charitable Trust
- Wessex Museums
- The Wolfson Foundation
