What the heck is a lek?
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
Poole Museum tells the inspiring story of a town and its people shaped by the sea.
Following a transformational redevelopment, the museum has reopened with a bold new vision and an exciting visitor experience.
Explore the NEW Poole Museum and discover:
Also part of the museum estate is Scaplen’s Court & Garden, a beautifully preserved medieval merchant’s house with a tranquil herb and physic garden. It’s also home to the museum’s inviting café – The Old Town Salt Pig.
Free entry ensures everyone can explore, stay a while, then return again and again.
Accessibility information
The entire ground floor of all public areas is now on one level. There is a larger lift in Oakley’s Mill and a platform lift in Scaplen’s Court. This lift has two stops to accommodate the unique layout of the historic building. New ground floor accessible toilets can be found in both Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court.
Collections
News
Poole Museum receives a £450,000 grant from Arts Council England to enhance its redevelopment project. This funding will support new exhibition galleries, improved digital experiences, increased accessibility, and sustainable practices.
Wessex Museums receives £61,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for project that will redefine Wessex folk arts and traditions.
Read about the Wessex Museums Virtual Collection, 250,000+ artefacts from four partner museums now searchable from one place.
‘Our Museum Journey’ blog follows the progress of Poole Museum’s redevelopment. Catch up on the latest behind the scenes as the first blog is all about packing up and storing artefacts.
Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.
The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.
The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!