Bethan's Rock museum reopens after £10m revamp

Poole Museum welcomes visitors back from Wednesday after its "soft launch"

A town's museum that is famously home to a girl's rock is set to reopen to the public following a £10m redevelopment.

Poole Museum in Dorset officially reopens on Wednesday following the "soft launch" of its new galleries and exhibitions.

Visitors will once again be able to see Bethan's Rock - a treasured stone donated by a five-year-old girl - alongside its other artefacts

The medieval building - which is owned by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council - was closed for redevelopment and repairs in 2022, with its newly restored Scaplen's Court and Garden being re-opened to visitors in July, alongside the museum shop and cafe.

The star attraction became a popular exhibit after the museum placed it in a glass case, complete with its own "Bethan's Rock – 2019," label.

Bethan, now 11, said it was given to her by her late grandmother, "who was the one who found that rock... it's really special to me because of her".

BCP councillor Andy Martin said: "Poole Museum's reopening is more than just the return of a museum; it's a bold statement about our town's future, with a new cultural destination leading the way."

Martin, the council's culture portfolio holder, added: "The new Poole Museum is a vibrant, inclusive space that will inspire residents and visitors alike for generations to come."

Alongside the council, the revamp has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Arts Council and charitable trusts and foundations.

The museum's new features include; three maritime galleries, a display of the 10m-long Pool Iron Age Logboat and displays of the museum's maritime archaeological collection.

Two new exhibitions, Sound of the Sea and Un/Common People, will also officially open on Wednesday.

Interim Director at Poole Museum Jaine Fitzpatrick said: "This transformation is just the beginning.

"We're incredibly proud of what's been achieved and even more excited for what's to come."