A popular south-eastern tourist attraction, Dinosaur Isle Museum, has reopened its doors today (Tuesday) after more than £500,000 worth of essential repairs and upgrades were undertaken, including a new roof.
The Sandown seafront attraction is ready to welcome visitors again, following major works to protect its nationally important fossil collections and improve the visitor experience.
The £498,000 project was funded through the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), led by Arts Council England, with an additional £180,000 from the Isle of Wight Council.
As part of the refurbishment, the museum now has a brand‑new roof, improved heating and air‑conditioning, and updated lighting throughout the galleries. These upgrades will help safeguard the 35,000 fossil specimens housed inside, many of them unique to the Island.
Dinosaur Isle also has a newly appointed curator and general manager, Dr David Button.
Dr Button said:
“I’m honoured to be taking care of the museum’s world‑class fossil collection.
“The Dinosaur Isle team are delighted to invite the public back to discover over 130 million years of the Isle’s history.”
Article continues below this advertisement
One of the many highlights includes the fossil remains of the Island’s newest named dinosaur — Istiorachis. A sail‑backed plant‑eater identified by scientists in early 2025, only weeks before the museum closed for repairs. Visitors will also be able to watch ongoing research in the museum’s fossil lab.
Director of museums and cultural property at Arts Council England, Emmie Kell said:
“Sandown’s Dinosaur Isle cares for one of Britain’s most important fossil collections – a uniquely rich and important record of life on the Isle of Wight spanning more than 130 million years.
“We’re proud to support essential improvements that help safeguard these unique specimens and ensure they remain accessible to residents, researchers, and visitors alike.
“Through the Museum Estate and Development Fund, we’re helping valued institutions like Dinosaur Isle carry out vital repairs so that culture remains open to all.”
As an Arts Council England Priority Place, the Isle of Wight has been recognised as an area where increased cultural investment can make a significant difference.
This designation reflects not only the Island’s need for strategic cultural regeneration but also the world‑class significance of Dinosaur Isle’s collections.
The museum’s refurbishment showcases how this targeted support strengthens vital cultural assets and contributes to broader regeneration efforts.
From today, opening hours will be 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday to Saturday, with daily opening from 30th March to 10th April during the Easter holidays.
It is also important to note that some external maintenance will continue, and scaffolding will be in place for a short time. Visitors with access needs are encouraged to call ahead on (01983) 404344.
