Poole Museum  is proving a real crowd pleaser – welcoming record-breaking numbers of visitors in its first year since re-opening.

More than 123,000 people visited the museum in the 12 months since re-opening its doors to the public in July 2007 following a £1.3 million makeover.

The record-breaking attendance figures make Poole Museum one of the region’s most popular museums.

Michael Spender, Poole Museum Manager, said: “It has been a great first year and a credit to everyone who has been involved in refreshing and reopening Poole Museum. We had a great summer this year too. The number of visitors to the museum and Scaplen's Court were up 20 per cent in August compared to last year.

“We are continuing to introduce new displays and activities with plans underway for a major exhibition of fine art from Easter 2009.”

The exhibition will focus on the important group of artists who worked in Poole in the first half of the 20th century, including Augustus John and Henry Lamb, and the museum intends to include loans from private and public collections.

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said: “It’s great to know Poole Museum is proving so popular with residents and tourists who visit our town. I am especially pleased that so many children are enjoying their visits to the museum and learning more about Poole’s rich and fascinating history. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in making Poole Museum such a success.”

Prior to re-opening in July 2007, the museum had been closed for a 21-month refurbishment project made possible by local fundraising and a £750,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The project saw the creation of a new entrance and atrium, as well as a terrace and visitor lounge offering views over Poole Harbour and the Old Town.