Museum set to reopen in summer after £10m revamp

Work continues across the museum's three listed buildings

A museum that is undergoing a £10.3m revamp is set to reopen in summer 2025.

Poole Museum in Dorset closed for redevelopment in 2022 and had originally been expected to open in the spring.

BCP Council, which owns the attraction, said the conservation, restoration and remodelling of the three listed buildings was "progressing quickly".

An interim director, Jaine Fitzpatrick, has been appointed to guide the final months of the project and the relaunch.

Wool Hall will house the shipwreck gallery, including an Iron Age log boat

The museum, which will remain free to enter, includes the Grade II listed Oakley's Mill, the Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall, the Grade I listed Scaplen's Court and gardens, and Sir Anthony Caro's quayside Sea Music sculpture.

Collection highlights include an Iron Age log boat, artefacts from 16th and 17th century shipwrecks, a large collection of Poole Pottery, and works by local artists including Augustus John and Henry Lamb.

In the latest phase of works, new ventilation equipment has been installed below the new floor in Wool Hall.

The floor has been moved to its original level to restore the proportions of the building which will house the new shipwreck gallery, including the log boat.

Throughout the redevelopment, the museum has been holding pop-ups and outreach events at libraries and festivals, including Bournemouth's Arts by the Sea.

Following her appointment, Ms Fitzpatrick said: "I’m passionate about broadening participation, growth and accessibility for all, and I’m eager to help Poole Museum become an award-winning cultural centre and thriving community space for residents across the BCP area, as well as a must-visit attraction for visitors to our region."

The revamp has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.