Poole Museum redevelopment project

An artists interpretation of the redeveloped Poole Museum
Image shows an artists interpretation of the redeveloped Poole Museum

 

Poole Museum is currently undergoing a £10.3 million redevelopment, supported by funded from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This project aims to transform the museum into an outstanding museum, gallery and cultural centre, greatly enriching the experience of Poole Quay and Old Town.

Owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the redevelopment includes the conservation, restoration, and remodelling of all three of the museum’s listed buildings.

In addition to three new maritime galleries, a new ceramics, art and design gallery, including a creative studio and workspace, will showcase and open-up the museum's collection of Poole Pottery, the largest public collection on display in the world. 

This space will also allow for collaborations with local artists and makers through changing displays and a vibrant programme of activity for all.

Accessibility is one of our leading themes through out this redevelopment, with changes including a brand new lift in Scaplen's Court for the first time, and a bigger lift in Oakley's Mill, new accessible toilets are being installed as well, with more details here.

General admission to our transformed museum will remain free, allowing more people to enjoy Poole Museum, more of the time.

Latest redevelopment project updates

Find out about the latest project updates as we count down towards completion and reopening in summer 2025.

February 2025 redevelopment project update

Latest news and updates

Read our latest news and updates on the museum, including redevelopment stories, funding awards, and our Museum on the Move news.

A fully accessible museum

Poole Museum’s £10.3 million redevelopment reflects the urgent need to address long-standing issues with accessibility, inclusivity, and space limitations across its historic sites.

Find out how we're addressing these issues here.

A green vision for Poole Museum

Poole Museum is undergoing a transformative redevelopment that not only celebrates our rich heritage but sets a benchmark for sustainability in the cultural sector.

Supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and additional funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, this project integrates cutting-edge green initiatives with innovative storytelling, creating an experience that resonates with the environmental challenges of our time.

Find out more here.

Funding and facts on Poole Museum

Poole Museum is located in the heart of Poole’s Old Town and Quay. The museum comprises the Grade II listed Oakley’s Mill a Victorian grain mill and warehouse, the Grade I listed medieval Town Cellars, Grade I listed Scaplen’s Court and gardens, and Sir Anthony Caro’s impressive quayside Sea Music sculpture.

The museum originally opened in 1989 under the Borough of Poole. It is currently owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council.

Collection highlights include:

  • a unique 2,000 year old Iron Age log boat which was found in 1964 during dredging work in Poole Harbour
  • internationally significant artefacts from 16th and 17th century shipwrecks
  • the world’s largest public collection of Poole Pottery
  • a fine art collection of local artists including Augustus John and Henry Lamb

The redevelopment of Poole Museum is majority funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with other funding coming from (in alphabetical order):

  • 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
  • Wessex Museums

Poole Museum is one of the most popular free museums in the South of England.

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Contact details

If you've got a general query about Poole Museum, please contact museums@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

If you've got a media related enquiry about Poole Museum, please email press.office@bcpcouncil.gov.uk