Festival of Archaeology

Meet the Vikings

16 July 2023, 11:00am - 4:00pm

This summer, history is coming to life once again as the Vikings invade Dorset Museum! Attendees will be able to witness thrilling hand-to-hand combat, visit craftspeople to learn about the creation of chain mail and fishing nets, observe Norse cooking demonstrations, mint their own Viking coin, and listen to exciting Viking sagas filled with adventure.

The regional group, Hrafnslith (‘Troop of the Raven’), which belongs to the oldest ‘Dark Ages’ historical re-enactment society, “The Vikings”, will be recreating an impressive living history encampment within the Museum, showcasing the lifestyles of the Viking and Anglo-Saxon peoples of the 8th – 11th century. They will provide demonstrations of Viking / Saxon Age crafts, skills, games, and pastimes, as well as performing combat displays with a variety of weaponry.

Additionally, children will have the opportunity to participate in Viking-themed art activities as part of the event.

Vikings in the Dorset Museum

 

  • Opening hours:

    Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
    Daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm

    TASTE Café
    Daily: 9.00am - 4.00pm
    Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

  • Admissions:

    10% discount for Adult and Young Person Unlimited Ticket booked online using discount code DM01

    BOOK ONLINE SAVE 10%
  • Dorset Museum

    High West Street
    Dorchester DT1 1XA

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Co-ordinated by the Council for British Archaeology, the Festival offers hundreds of events nationwide, organised by museums, heritage organisations, national and country parks, universities, local societies, and community archaeologists.

The Festival of Archaeology will take place between 15 July 2021 – 30 July 2023.

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Community Exhibition

10 July - 26 September 2024.

Sensing the Past

"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

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Special Exhibition

19 July - 3 November 2024

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

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Tours

14 September 2024, 10:00am - 12:00noon

Roman Town House Tour

Join our trained guides through the history of the Roman Town House site and and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.

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FULLY BOOKED

15 September 2024, 11:00-12:00 and 15:00-16:00

Heritage Open Day – Store Tour

Join our Collections Team this Heritage Open Day for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.

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FULLY BOOKED

15 September 2024, 13:00-14:00

Heritage Open Day – Thomas Hardy Tour

Join us this Heritage Open Day for a bespoke tour of the Museum to learn more about the world of Thomas Hardy.

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Talk

23 September 2024, 12:00noon - 1:00pm

Nature Heals | Trevor Parsons

Trevor Parsons is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power of photography and nature.

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Tours

25 September 2024, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Store Tour

Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.

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FULLY BOOKED

28 September 2024, 9:30am - 5pm

Cerne Giant and other Wessex Hill Figures

The Cerne Abbas Giant is one of the most recognisable and talked about hill figures in the UK. This special conference draws upon recent excavations and new research by the National Trust, led by Martin Papworth, and offers the opportunity to explore the giant in relationship to other significant hill figures in the region.

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Culture Club

Wednesday 2nd October 2024, 18:30-21:00

Culture Club – Wildlife Photography: A Look at Dorset Naturally

Join us for an evening of Dorset Nature Photography. We'll have a talk from professional nature and landscape photographer Mike Read, in which he will take us through "A Look at Dorset Naturally", and an exclusive opportunity to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition after hours.

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