Easter Craft Arena: ‘Gladiators of Britain’ Art Workshop

Bring history to life with this epic, free drop-in event at the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery (with ticket entry – kids go free!) Step into the world of ancient Rome.

Unleash your creativity this Easter by crafting a clay animal egg cup inspired by the fierce creatures of ancient gladiatorial games! Choose from legendary beasts such as lions, bears, elephants, or even mythical creatures that once roared through the Roman Amphitheatres. Shape and sculpt your chosen animal to cradle an Easter egg, adding intricate details like textured fur, sharp claws, or mighty tusks. Use earthy tones to mimic ancient Roman pottery or decorate with patterns inspired by gladiatorial armour. This hands-on activity combines history, artistry, and fun – creating a unique egg holder worthy of a champion. Will your egg cup be as fierce as a lion or as strong as a bull?

Other events happening here

Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain

A British Museum Partnership Exhibition with Colchester + Ipswich Museums will delve into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain. Launching at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in January 2025, the exhibition will tour four UK venues, tracing the footsteps of gladiators who once fought in Britain’s amphitheatres.

Mon 21st Apr - All day
and 20 future schedules

VIEW

Gladiator Trail

Step into the thrilling world of gladiators with our Gladiator Trail, a fun-filled family activity that will take you on an exciting journey through the museum!

Mon 21st Apr - All day
and 20 future schedules

VIEW

GLADI-EGG-TOR Trail

Join us this Easter for an exciting adventure on our “GLADI-EGG-TOR” Trail!

Mon 21st Apr - All day

VIEW

Roman Dorchester Walk

Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria...

Tue 22nd Apr - 10:30am
and 4 future schedules

VIEW

Storytime at the Museum

Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!

Thu 24th Apr - 10:00am
and 5 future schedules

VIEW

Deadly games in Roman Dorchester? Gladiator shows and beastly spectacles in Britannia

Join Dr John Pearce for a talk that explores the reality of gladiatorial spectacles and reveals the grim truths behind these celebrated events at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on Thursday 24 April, 6:00pm – 7:00pm.

Thu 24th Apr - 6:00pm

VIEW

Wedding Fair

This free event is a celebration of all things wedding-related, featuring a selection of local vendors, interactive displays and live performances - all designed to inspire couples as they plan their big day.

Sun 27th Apr - 11:00am

VIEW

Store Tour

Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery's Collections Discovery Centre.

Wed 30th Apr - 2:00pm
and 8 future schedules

VIEW

Quiet Opening

Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our Quiet Openings. Especially suitable for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions, and their siblings, parents and carers. The sessions are also suitable for any group or individual who would like to visit our museums and galleries at a quieter time.

Sat 3rd May - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules

VIEW

Volunteer Open Day

Thinking about becoming a volunteer? Come along and find out more about volunteer opportunities in Dorchester

Tue 20th May - 11:00am

VIEW

Fairy Folk Tales

Step into the enchanting world of Dorset folklore and immerse yourself in the magical tale of "The Singing Barrows at Bincombe Bumps".

Tue 27th May - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules

VIEW

Hardy Women: Mothers, Sisters, Wives, Muses

Join Paula Byrne for a talk exploring Hardy Women which offers a fresh perspective on Hardy’s life, exploring it through the lens of the women who shaped him—his formidable mother, devoted sisters, first loves, long-suffering wives, and inspiring muses. Through their eyes, we see the man behind the novels, a figure both enthralled by and at odds with the women around him.

Fri 30th May - 6:00pm

VIEW

Hardy Women: Mother, Sisters, Wives, Muses – Lecture by Paula Byrne

Event in partnership between the Thomas Hardy Society and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Fri 30th May - 7:30pm

VIEW

Empire, the West Country and Thomas Hardy | Corinne Fowler and Rena Jackson

This joint talk explores the British Empire's impact on the West County, examining Dorset's colonial connections, imperial wealth, and literary responses, including Thomas Hardy's portrayal of global influences in Wessex.

Fri 4th Jul - 6:00pm

VIEW

‘The Shadow on the Stone’: Hardy and Archaeology | Mark Damon Chutter

Join Mark Damon Chutter, the Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society, for this special talk as part of our Festival of Archaeology programme.

Wed 23rd Jul - 11:00am

VIEW

Fraught with high tragedy: new insights on the Maiden Castle Iron Age ‘War Cemetery’ | Dr Martin Smith

This talk presents new work by archaeologists from Bournemouth University, that has used radiocarbon dating to arrive at new conclusions regarding the dead of Maiden Castle and why they were laid to rest within the ramparts of this iconic site.

Thu 24th Jul - 6:00pm

VIEW

Jane Austen and the Sea | Lizzie Dunford

Join Jane Austen's House Director Lizzie Dunford for this illustrated talk exploring the connections of Britain's greatest writer with the coast that surrounds our islands.

Fri 1st Aug - 6:00pm

VIEW

Writing Jane Austen | Gill Hornby in Conversation with Tracy Chevalier

Join bestselling author, Gill Hornby for a captivating evening as she discusses her writing inspired by the world of Jane Austen with writer Tracy Chevalier.

Fri 5th Sep - 6:00pm

VIEW

Easter Craft Arena: ‘Gladiators of Britain’ Art Workshop

Next events

Location

Other events happening here

Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain

Gladiator Trail

GLADI-EGG-TOR Trail

Roman Dorchester Walk

Storytime at the Museum

Deadly games in Roman Dorchester? Gladiator shows and beastly spectacles in Britannia

Wedding Fair

Store Tour

Quiet Opening

Volunteer Open Day

Fairy Folk Tales

Hardy Women: Mothers, Sisters, Wives, Muses

Hardy Women: Mother, Sisters, Wives, Muses – Lecture by Paula Byrne

Empire, the West Country and Thomas Hardy | Corinne Fowler and Rena Jackson

‘The Shadow on the Stone’: Hardy and Archaeology | Mark Damon Chutter

Fraught with high tragedy: new insights on the Maiden Castle Iron Age ‘War Cemetery’ | Dr Martin Smith

Jane Austen and the Sea | Lizzie Dunford

Writing Jane Austen | Gill Hornby in Conversation with Tracy Chevalier