Waterfront Museum
Poole Museum has reopened after 20 months of major redevelopment involving £750,000 of Heritage Lottery Funding 
and local fundraising. With its stunning new entrance and atrium, the museum's new public facilities include a terrace and visitor lounge with magnificent views over Poole Harbour and Old Town. The original fabric of the 18th century harbour warehouse which houses the main displays has been carefully revealed to provide the perfect setting for the story of Poole and its people to be told.
There is a series of galleries bringing to life the story of
- ships
- boats & trade
- development of port and town
- beginnings of the Harbour
- Poole clay
- people at home, work and play
Contemporary display methods have been used to provide increased access to the museum's rich collections and to engage, inform, educate and inspire everyone who comes here to explore Poole's rich heritage
Entry to Poole Museum is free and it is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities.
New Entrance
The front of the building has been transformed with an elegant new glass and steel structure designed by internationally acclaimed architects Horden Cherry Lee . The light filled glass atrium creates a stunning new entrance features an impressive new model of Poole Harbour.
Poole Logboat
Discovered in Poole harbour in 1964, the Poole Logboat is one of the largest surviving logboats in the UK and dates to about 300 BC. This important Iron Age object is on public display for the first time.
New Viewing Terrace
Our new terrace has created a wonderful view over the rooftops of the historic Old Town and harbour.
Refurbished galleries
Totally new displays throughout the museum tell the story of Poole from prehistory to the 21st Century
Ceramics Gallery
This new display features the Museum's superb collection of Poole Pottery, probably the largest on public display, and other ceramics through the ages.
Temporary Exhibitions
The new exhibition gallery opens with Thread, a community textile project worked on by members of local youth clubs and older people. Four stunning textile works depicting various Poole themes as well as information on the making of the works is on display.
In the "Sense of Place" gallery is the first of a series of community exhibitions relating the stories of districts of Poole. "Hamworthy Voices" features stories and objects contributed by the people who live there.
Nearby
Adjacent to Poole Museum is the medieval Scaplen's Court town house, which is open free to the public during August (limited disabled access) and used by local children in term time as a learning centre. Hidden behind it is a secret physic and herb garden which is open from late May to September.
Attached to the main Poole Museum building, in the medieval Town Cellars, is the Local History Centre, where residents and visitors can delve deeper into archives and resources covering the history of Poole and its people. This is a unique facility which can greatly enrich the experience the museum has to offer. Poole Old Town conservation area features many historic buildings, and the lower High Street has interesting shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Nearby is the historic Poole Quay, with its wealth of facilities for the visitor. For further information visit the Poole Tourism site.
Opening Hours
From 21st March 2008 to 2nd November 2008
- Monday - Saturday - 10am to 5pm
- Sunday - noon to 5pm
From 3rd November 2008 to 5th April 2009
- Tuesday - Saturday - 10am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Sunday - noon to 4pm
If you need any more information, please contact us using the details at the top right of this page.
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