Remember Remember! Poole Museum will reopen on Wednesday 5 November following an ambitious £10 million redevelopment.
The reopening marks the culmination of a major heritage-led regeneration project which began in 2018, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Arts Council England, Historic England, and other partners.
Visitors can take part in a soft-launch period before the official opening to explore the museum and share feedback ahead of the full reveal.
The project has conserved and remodelled all three of the museum’s listed buildings – Oakley’s Mill, Scaplen’s Court and the Town Cellars – more than doubling public space without new construction.
Highlights include three new maritime galleries, Harbour Life, Setting Sail, and Shipwreck!, the Iron Age logboat – the largest found in Southern Britain – and two flexible galleries hosting new exhibitions Sound of the Sea and Un/Common People.
Councillor Andy Martin said the reopening was “a bold statement about our town’s future” and praised the teams involved for delivering “a vibrant, inclusive space that will inspire residents and visitors alike for generations to come.”
The museum’s transformation has focused on accessibility, adding level access throughout, new lifts, improved facilities, and wide circulation areas.
Jaine Fitzpatrick, Interim Director at Poole Museum, said the reopening “is just the beginning,” adding that the museum will continue to build community connections and creative programmes.
Scaplen’s Court, its gardens, the museum shop, and the new café The Old Town Salt Pig are already open as part of the phased return.
Admission remains free, with visitors invited to rediscover Poole’s rich maritime history and its place as a thriving cultural hub for the South Coast.
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