Shire Hall Museum

Shire Hall Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life.

Walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall. Immerse yourself in the cells before ascending to the dock. Experience it for yourself.

PLEASE NOTE: the Museum, shop and cafe will be closed on Monday 6th April.

We shall look forward to seeing you all again at 10.00am on Tuesday 7th April

What's On

EventFamily event

Neurodivergent Dorchester – Community Group Meet Up

Monday 13th April and 11th May from 2pm to 4pm

A place for people of Dorchester to connect whether you are neurodivergent, suspect you might be, or have friends, family or colleagues that are.

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Exhibition

Dorchester Camera Club 90th Anniversary Exhibition

16th to 29th April 2026

Dorchester Camera Club celebrates its 90th anniversary with a photography exhibition at Shire Hall Museum, 16–29 April. Free entry.

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CraftsEventWorkshop

Mixed Media Workshop with Genevieve Lavers

Friday 15th May

BREAKING FREE, an exploratory art workshop using the unique setting of the Shire Hall Cells for inspiration.

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Talk

Law, Order and Subversion in Hardy

Saturday 30th May 2pm

Join Mark Damon Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society to find out more about Hardy's Justice of the Peace role.

Find out more

What's On

Neurodivergent Dorchester – Community Group Meet Up

Dorchester Camera Club 90th Anniversary Exhibition

Mixed Media Workshop with Genevieve Lavers

Law, Order and Subversion in Hardy

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