Dorset County Museum given over £200k coronavirus funding boost

Dorset County Museum's been given £213,121 to help finish off renovations to the building, and support it during the pandemic.

The money has come from the government's Curlture Recovery Fund grants programme.

It will help them keep their staff on, as well as adapt to running the museum during the crisis.

Originally, the museum was set to reopen this summer after renovations works, but that was set back by the pandemic. Now, they say they'll be on track to reopen in February 2021 thanks to the funding.

Director of the museum, Jon Murden said:

"Back in February, we were absolutely on target and on track to be open this summer, but obviously that got completely derailed by the coronavirus.

"It represents the money we would have begun to earn this autumn and summer and offset some of the losses that the delay has caused to the museum, having already used all our reserves to get through the first phase of the COVID-19 crisis.

"This has come as a vital lifeline for the future of our museum and is another positive step forward in delivering a first class museum experience that everyone in Dorset will be very proud of."

The museum has been adapting to the pandemic by running online talks and tours for groups and schools. They're also doing virtual handling sessions where you can get up close and personal with the artefacts.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery. These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

You can find out more from the museum's website.