POOLE Museum will once again open its doors to the public following a multi-million pound transformation.

The museum on the High Street closed in 2022 to allow a more than £10 million redevelopment of the site to take place.

It now boasts three new maritime galleries, new exhibits and interactive displays as well as a display of the Poole Iron Age log boat which is nearly 10 metres long and the largest ever found in Southern Britain.

The project has also seen the conservation, remodelling, and restoration of all three of the museum’s historic listed buildings: Oakley’s Mill, Scaplen’s Court, and the medieval town cellars, more than doubling the public space without the need for new construction.

The new-look museum will reopen on November 5 – and people are invited to come down to experience the full impact of its transformation.

The regeneration project began in 2018 and received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, Arts Council England, Historic England, and other charitable foundations and grant providers.

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People can also look forward to seeing displays of the museum’s maritime archaeological collection including timbers, finds and cargo from three protected shipwrecks.

This also includes two flexible galleries that support a dynamic programme of touring and temporary exhibitions, launching with: Sound of the Sea, a spectacular, immersive digital exhibition that responds to your presence, bringing the ocean to life, and; Un/Common People, celebrating the history and mythology of folk culture through everyday lives and extraordinary traditions.

Councillor Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications and culture at BCP Council, said the reopening of the museum is a bold statement about the town’s future.

“This transformation not only explores and celebrates our rich maritime heritage, honouring generations of service at sea but it also reflects how those traditions continue to shape and strengthen port communities like ours today,” he said.

“The new Poole Museum is a vibrant, inclusive space that will inspire residents and visitors alike for generations to come.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Poole Museum team, BCP Council colleagues, and all our funders and partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.”

The redevelopment has been guided by a commitment to inclusive design, ensuring that everyone can visit independently, equally, and with dignity.

Key improvements include level access across the entire ground floor of all buildings in the museum’s estate; a larger lift in the main museum and a new lift in Scaplen’s Court, providing access to previously unreachable areas; generous circulation and orientation spaces; and accessible WCs on the ground floor of Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court.

Scaplen’s Court & Garden, and the museum shop opened in July as part of a phased opening, alongside the museum’s new café, The Old Town Salt Pig, a collaboration with renowned local brand, The Salt Pig.

Jaine Fitzpatrick, interim director at Poole Museum said this transformation is just the beginning.

“We’ve reimagined the museum’s physical spaces and now we’re just as ambitious about what happens within them,” she said.

“From bold programming to deeper community connections, the new Poole Museum isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to belong, to create, and to be inspired.

“This project has always been about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about people. From the very beginning, we’ve worked to ensure the museum reflects the creativity, curiosity and diversity of the communities it serves.

“It’s a place where stories are shared, ideas are sparked, and everyone feels welcome. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved and even more excited for what’s to come.”

Poole Museum’s refreshed identity aims to attract a wider audience and reinforce its role as a vibrant cultural attraction, gallery and art destination across the south coast.

Admission remains free, ensuring access for all. Whether you’re popping in for a quick visit or planning a full day of discovery, the doors will soon be wide open.

Find out more and book free entry tickets now at poolemuseum.org.uk