The Dorman Museum
The Dorman Museum forms part of Middlesbrough Council's 'Museums & Galleries Service' along with its sister venues - the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, situated in Stewart Park and Mima - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art - sited opposite the Town Hall.
The museum offers a great range of eight themed display galleries, full disabled access throughout and additional facilities such as café, on - site collection stores, resources room and education suite.
The museum was officially opened on the 1st of July 1904, by the Colonel in Chief of the Yorkshire Regiment, as the Dorman Memorial Museum. It was presented to the town by Sir Arthur Dorman as a memorial to his son George Lockwood Dorman, and others of the Yorkshire Regiment who lost their lives during the South African wars of 1899-1902.
H.W.F. Bolckow, one of the founders of Middlesbrough’s iron and steel industry, was the first to contribute to the collection with the purchase of a number of birds in 1874.
Even though this collection was called a museum it was only really accessible to members of the Field Club. Items were not actually put on public display until 1890 when the growing collection was given over to the care of the Free Library Committee, who displayed the objects in the new Municipal Buildings and the Town Hall. A purpose built museum later became necessary due to Alfred Edward Pease’s offer to present and case his collection of African and Indian birds and animals in one gallery for public display. He made this gift in April 1901 and the final result was the museum dedicated by Sir Arthur Dorman.
The Dorman Museum has 8 permanent display galleries and 2 changing exhibition spaces on two floors. Small exhibitions also take place within the ground floor corridor. Access to the upper floor is by the main staircase or lift.
The Museum has been extended and refurbished to add a number of new exciting galleries with diverse themes from local history to astronomy. A large purpose built education suite, temporary exhibition gallery and on site store have also been added to the original building.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Times
Tuesday to Sunday
9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Last entry 4.45pm
PLEASE NOTE LATE MORNING OPENINGS:
10th June - 10am
7th July - 10am
12th August - 10am
8th September - 10am
14th October - 10am
10th November - 10am
9th December - 10am
These are for staff briefing and training sessions.
Monday Closed
Except 20th December 2010
Closed 24-27th December,
1st January,
3-7th January 2011 (annual maintenance).
Admission
The Dorman Museum is a free venue, however there may be small charges applied for special events and activities.
Our opening times are Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am –5.00pm.
There is no need to book a general visit, just arrive at the museum and begin your visit.
Find Us
The museum is located next to Albert Park and the Cenotaph just off Linthorpe Road. Middlesbrough railway and bus stations are a 20 minute walk away on a mostly level route.
There are frequent buses 11,12,27 & 63 that travel along Linthorpe Road.
Parking is permitted on the street to the front and side of the museum.
Please use our postcode TS5 6LA to locate us using Sat Navigaton systems
Accessibility
The museum offers full disabled access throughout.
Wheelchair and pram access is available to all floors.
Our lift can accommodate up to three wheelchairs and three carers or teachers at any one time.
There are 2 disabled parking bays immediately in front of the museum and the museum can be accessed via a ramp to the automated front door.
A wheelchair is available for use by visitors, prior notice is preferred.
Male, female and disabled public toilets are located on the ground floor and there are clearly marked fire escapes to the front & rear of the building.
Address:
Dorman Museum
Linthorpe Road,
Middlesbrough
TS5 6LA