An iconic Dorchester museum may be closed, but it will soon be popping up around Dorset in a much bouncier form.

Dorset County Museum's iconic building in High West Street will feature in inflatable form at the Science Festival at Dorchester Corn Exchange on Sunday, March 17.

With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Manchester Museum, the inflatable museum will also be making appearances across the county throughout April, offering an exciting immersive experience.

At the Science Festival, which is part of British Science Week, visitors will be able to learn about and handle objects from the museum's extensive collection as well as take part in fun and fascinating interactive workshops and other activities.

The event is being organised by Bournemouth University, the Thomas Hardye School, the Dorset County Museum and Dorchester Town Council with support and sponsorship from the Royal Society of Biology.

People of all ages who love science and learning new things are welcome at the event.

Emma Scott, community development officer at Dorchester Town Council, said: "Experts from all over Dorset will set out to delight, amaze and inspire the scientist in you.

"With a very wide range of activities, there will be something for everyone. Come and learn about elephants and their conservation, peer through microscopes at things that glow in the dark, and get to know what makes ticks tick."

Light refreshments will available throughout the event which takes place from 1pm-5pm.

Dorset County Museum closed in October 2018 for a two-year multi-million pound redevelopment. After its renovation, the museum will feature new galleries, a learning centre, collections storage, a library and visitor facilities.

In the meantime, the museum is continuing to educate and entertain people on its Dorset-wide tour exhibiting in towns and at events across the county.

Creating Tomorrow’s Museum for Dorset will cost £15.3 million. Through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, lottery players are supporting the project with a grant of over £11.34m, and £3.2m has come from trusts and foundations, local authorities and individual donors.

The museum is still appealing for help from the public to raise the remaining £753,000 to complete the project.