Museums & Galleries

Discover Local History, Fine Art, and Cultural Exhibitions

‍Poole Museum

Discover the inspiring story of a town shaped by the sea at the newly transformed Poole Museum. Situated just off Poole Quay, the museum has reopened following a major redevelopment, offering six brand-new galleries across five floors.

Highlights include three immersive maritime zones; 'Harbour Life', 'Setting Sail', and 'Shipwreck!', and the magnificent Poole Iron Age Logboat, the largest of its kind in Southern Britain, now on open display. Visitors can also enjoy a dynamic programme of touring exhibitions, interactive displays, and family-friendly trails.

The museum estate extends to Scaplen’s Court, a preserved medieval merchant’s house featuring a tranquil herb garden and The Old Town Salt Pig café. With free entry, a curated gift shop, and a vibrant calendar of events and workshops, Poole Museum is an essential destination for visitors of all ages.

Galleries

Poole Museum hosts a varied programme of changing exhibitions on floors one and two ranging from local interest to world class exhibitions.

Scaplen’s Court

Dating back to the 1300s, this Grade I listed medieval merchant’s house offers a unique glimpse into Poole’s history. Part of the Poole Museum estate, Scaplen’s Court has been preserved to showcase its heritage while providing a welcoming visitor experience.

Visitors can explore the historic architecture and relax in the beautiful, tranquil herb and physic garden - a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Old Town. The building is also home to the museum’s inviting café, The Old Town Salt Pig, offering the perfect blend of medieval charm and modern hospitality.

The Lighthouse

Poole’s centre for the arts has a variety of unusual and eclectic space spaces for a changing programme of visual arts exhibitions.

The Gallery Upstairs

Based above the Tea Rooms in the beautiful surroundings of Upton Country Park, the gallery shows work by local professional and non-professional artists including art societies, local education classes and community groups.  

Our neighbours in Bournemouth showcase a unique historical and cultural offering and at its heart is the inimitable Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Perched on the clifftop, this Italian style villa was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. They filled the exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels across the world, and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art.