Poole Museum reopensfollowing major transformation
Poole Museum is set to welcome visitors once again following an ambitious redevelopment project that unveils a bold new vision, transforming it into a major cultural destination of local, regional and national significance.
The museum reopens with a ‘big bang’ on Wednesday 5 November, with the new galleries, exhibitions and facilities officially launched. This celebratory milestone invites everyone to come and explore the museum in its entirety and experience the full impact of its transformation.
Visitors can experience a soft-launch testing period over the next few days, which offers a unique opportunity to explore the museum, contribute feedback, and help fine-tune operations ahead of the grand reveal on 5 November.
Reopening comes after an extensive and considerable redevelopment with more than £10million spent on the project.
It marks the culmination of a major heritage-led regeneration project which began in 2018 and generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Arts Council England, Historic England, and other charitable foundations and grant providers.
The project has seen the conservation, remodelling, and restoration of all three of the museum’s historic listed buildings: Oakley’s Mill, Scaplen’s Court, and the medieval Town Cellars, more than doubling the public space without the need for new construction.
Visitors to the new Poole Museum can look forward to:
- Three new maritime galleries – Harbour Life, Setting Sail, and Shipwreck!
- The Poole Iron Age Logboat, nearly 10 metres long and the largest ever found in Southern Britain, now on open display
- Displays of the museum’s maritime archaeological collection including timbers, finds and cargo from three protected shipwrecks
- Two flexible galleries supporting a dynamic programme of touring and temporary exhibitions, launching with:
- Sound of the Sea, a spectacular, immersive digital exhibition that responds to your presence, bringing the ocean to life, and;
- Un/Common People, celebrating the history and mythology of folk culture through everyday lives and extraordinary traditions
- Exciting new exhibits and interactive displays
- A vibrant programme of events, workshops and activities
Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture at BCP Council, said:
“This marks the culmination of over seven years of planning, building and collaboration. Poole Museum’s reopening is more than just the return of a museum; it’s a bold statement about our town’s future, with a new cultural destination leading the way.
“This transformation not only explores and celebrates our rich maritime heritage, honouring generations of service at sea but it also reflects how those traditions continue to shape and strengthen port communities like ours today.
“The new Poole Museum is a vibrant, inclusive space that will inspire residents and visitors alike for generations to come.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Poole Museum team, BCP Council colleagues, and all our funders and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in delivering a new cultural experience that truly reflects the spirit, culture and heritage of Poole.”
Alison Gudgeon, Senior Project Manager, BCP Council said:
“The transformation of Poole Museum has been a truly collaborative effort, involving a huge number of people as ‘Museum Makers’, from designers, fabricators, and specialist tradespeople, to illustrators, software developers, project managers, conservators, cleaners, curators, quantity surveyors, researchers, artists, builders and so many more.
“We’re especially grateful to the thousands of local residents, school children, students, and community groups who have generously shared their time, expertise, creativity and passion over the last seven years to help shape the new Poole Museum.
“Special thanks due to our building contractors, Greendale Construction Limited; exhibition fit out contractors, Marcon Fit Out; and to our architects and exhibition designers, ZMMA.”
Scaplen’s Court & Garden, and the museum shop opened in July as part of a phased opening, alongside the museum’s new café, The Old Town Salt Pig, a collaboration with renowned local brand, The Salt Pig.
The redevelopment has been guided by a commitment to inclusive design, ensuring that everyone can visit independently, equally, and with dignity. Key improvements include level access across the entire ground floor of all buildings in the museum’s estate; a larger lift in the main museum and a new lift in Scaplen’s Court, providing access to previously unreachable areas; generous circulation and orientation spaces; and accessible WCs on the ground floor of Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director, Poole Museum said:
“This transformation is just the beginning. We’ve reimagined the museum’s physical spaces and now we’re just as ambitious about what happens within them. From bold programming to deeper community connections, the new Poole Museum isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to belong, to create, and to be inspired.
“This project has always been about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. From the very beginning, we’ve worked to ensure the museum reflects the creativity, curiosity and diversity of the communities it serves. It’s a place where stories are shared, ideas are sparked, and everyone feels welcome. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved and even more excited for what’s to come.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported the transformation of Poole Museum. This ambitious project has reimagined how the museum is used, creating a vibrant, inclusive cultural destination for the future that celebrates Poole’s rich maritime heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, communities across the region and beyond will benefit from greater access to heritage, creativity and learning in a space that truly reflects the spirit of Poole.”
Adam Gent, Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England, South West, said:
“This is a pivotal moment for culture in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and a powerful example of what local investment and partnership can achieve. Through our Capital Investment Programme, we’re funding vital repairs to museums across the country, safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage and opening up access to collections for more people. Poole Museum is a cornerstone of the subregion’s visitor economy, and this transformation will bring lasting benefits for residents and businesses for many years to come.”
Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said:
“We’re delighted to see the completion of this major heritage-led regeneration project. All three of the museum’s historic listed buildings have been conserved, remodelled and restored, creating stunning spaces and helping to create a wonderful cultural hub for the community and for visitors.”
Poole Museum’s refreshed identity aims to attract a wider audience and reinforce its role as a vibrant cultural attraction, gallery and art destination across the south coast.
Admission remains free, ensuring access for all. Whether you’re popping in for a quick visit or planning a full day of discovery, the doors will soon be wide open.
