Swanage Museum has moved into a seafront building after having to vacate the 17th-century Tithe Barn which was in a poor state of repair.
The opening ceremony was performed by Dorset archaeologist Julian Richards who presents the BBC series Meet the Ancestors.
“Swanage has a great richness, from the geology and fossils of the Jurassic Coast to the industrial archaeology of the Purbeck quarries. Bringing it all together under one roof is a great achievement” said Julian.
The move has been made possible by a £49,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £5,000 from the World Heritage Site funds.
The new museum in The Square is open from April to October; 10am to 5pm; admission free.
