Dinosaur Isle Museum will reopen its doors today (Tuesday) after more than half a million pounds’ worth of essential repairs and upgrades.
The Sandown seafront attraction will welcome visitors again from 10am following major works to protect its nationally important fossil collections and improve the visitor experience.
Funding for the project
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.
Button: An honour
Dinosaur Isle also has a newly appointed curator and general manager, Dr David Button. He 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.”
Newest dinosaur
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.
External maintenance ongoing
While the museum’s iconic pterosaur‑shaped building remains instantly recognisable, 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.
Opening times
From 17th March, opening hours will be 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, with daily opening from 30th March to 10th April during the Easter holidays.
Jones‑Evans: This is a great step forward for Sandown seafront
Councillor Julie Jones‑Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee, said,
“Dinosaur Isle is one of the Island’s most cherished cultural assets, and I’m delighted to see it reopening with the care and investment it deserves.
“These essential works not only protect an irreplaceable fossil collection but also enhance the experience for everyone who walks through the doors. This is a great step forward for Sandown seafront and for our wider heritage and tourism offer.”
Kell: One of Britain’s most important fossil collections
Emmie Kell, director, museums and cultural property, Arts Council England, 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.”
A Priority Place
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.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
