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The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester is unique

It is the only museum on mainland Britain solely devoted to dinosaurs and their fascinating world.

Actual fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and life-size dinosaur reconstructions combine with multimedia, hands on, computer and CD-ROM displays to excite, enthral, and entertain the visitor. The Dinosaur Museum has been extensively featured on television and has become nationally famous for its innovative, adventurous and friendly approach. The museum has won many awards throughout its history.

Dinosaurs ruled the land for some 150 million years, finally becoming extinct 65 million years ago. Our fascination with dinosaurs started in the 1820s when the first true discoveries of dinosaur bones were made in England. Then in 1841 Sir Richard Owen invented the word "dinosauria" - meaning terrible lizard' - to describe this group of prehistoric monsters. Dinosaur fever was created and over 150 years later people's imaginations are still being excited by these prehistoric creatures. This interest in the history of dinosaurs and sense of "dinomania" is reflected in The Dinosaur Museum.

The visitor immediately encounters a complete dinosaur skeleton of the famous meat-eating Megalosaurus, a Jurassic dinosaur, with its sickle-shaped claws and teeth, mounted over a set of very rare footprints made by that dinosaur. Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur to be scientifically named 175 years ago, by Reverend William Buckland. This skeleton vividly contrasts with the skeleton of the small fleet-footed vegetarian dinosaur Hypsilophodon. Also in the Buckland Room is a lifesize reconstruction of a Corythosaurus known affectionately a Dina to all in the museum. She was originally made by the special effects team of the BBC hit sci-fi series Dr Who. Called "Invasion of the Dinosaurs" the programmes starred Jon Pertwee as the Doctor and Elizabeth Sladen as his assistant - Sarah Jane Smith.

family at musuem Among the most of the dramatic displays are the awe inspiring life-size dinosaur reconstructions. There are two examples of T rex - one of the largest meat eating land animal ever; a Stegosaurus with its strangely shaped ridge of plates along its back; a Corythosaurus, one of the duckbilled dinosaurs and affectionately known as "Dina" by her many fans; and outside a Triceratops dominates the Museum's courtyard. They beg to be touched by little hands - and that is encouraged, as is the handling of some of the dinosaur fossils.

GENERAL INFORMATION

OPENING TIMES - All year daily, including Sundays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm (10.00am to 4.30pm from November to March). Closed 24-26 December inclusive.

ADMISSION CHARGES - Adult £6.75, Senior £5.75, Student £5.75, Child £4.95, Family (2ad+2ch) £21.00. Children under four - free.

FACILITIES - The ground floor of the Museum is accessible for people using a wheelchair (only one step with temporary ramp at the entrance). The two upstairs galleries are inaccessible to wheelchair users and to compensate a concessionary rate is charged. Car parking and a wide range of catering establishments can be found within easy walking distance of the Museum. Toilets are available in the Museum.

THE DINOSTORE - The 'Dinostore' within the Museum is well stocked with a wide range of dinosaur toys, gifts and souvenirs. There is an extensive dinosaur book section with a range of dinosaur titles for kids, schools, and adults. The Museum also has an excellent online shop.

SCHOOL VISITS - The Dinosaur Museum has an enviable reputation for its educational services. The Museum is extremely popular with schools linking various topics to the study of dinosaurs. Click here for more information.

DOWNLOAD A LEAFLET - To download the latest copy of the museum's leaflet please visit smartleaflet.co.uk by clicking on the image below

PRESS INFORMATION - Contact on 01305 269741 or complete the contact form.