As part of the national initiative Takeover Day in Museums, children from Dorchester Middle School were invited onto the site of the new Dorset Museum- unfortunately torrential rain interrupted proceedings but with quick thinking and ingenuity on behalf of the teachers, museum staff, volunteers and members of the construction staff, the day was saved by relocating the entire event to the school.

The school gym was transformed into a temporary auditorium, where 300 pupils listened as they were told how the new museum was taking shape.

Having already done their research as part of the ‘Takeover Day’ initiative, pupils were ready and eager to ask their questions.

Following the presentation, the students took on the roles of tour guides, curators and exhibition designers to create their very own collection of artefacts based on the themes of 'Natural Dorset', 'People’s Dorset' and 'Artists Dorset'.

At the end of the day the pupils hosted their exhibition in Dorset Museum’s giant touring Inflatable Museum. - a unique experience for families, friends and pupils alike.

Marcus Drysdale, Managing Director of Acheson, the company behind the museum's renovation, said: “Acheson Construction were delighted to be given the opportunity to present to the pupils of Dorchester Middle School today.

"We are very proud to be delivering this important and iconic local project for the Dorset Museum and helping them to realise their vision of turning the museum into a leading contemporary cultural centre."

Emma Talbot, Head of Education and Learning at Dorset Museum, said: “Based on the enthusiasm that we have seen here today I have no doubt that when our doors are opened for the first time next year there will be a queue of people waiting to get in and at the very front will be pupils from Dorchester Middle School."

The museum will be open to the public in the summer of 2020.