Dinosaur Isle to undergo essential grant funded repair works

Dinosaur Isle will close from the beginning of September 2025, re-opening in January 2026 as it undergoes essential repair work.

The works are funded by the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) which provides capital funding for Accredited museums. The funding stream is targeted at historic buildings and nationally important collections. Led by Arts Council England (ACE) investment of £498,000 has been awarded to undertake essential repair work at Dinosaur Isle Museum. The council itself is contributing £180,000 towards the major project. The works will include the replacement of the museum’s roof, provide new lighting in some exhibition spaces, and install heating and air conditioning.

Located on Sandown seafront, Dinosaur Isle Museum is widely regarded as the home of the most important dinosaur collection in the United Kingdom, outside of the national collection. The dinosaurs are part of a collection of over 35,000 specimens which record the 130-million-year story of the Island. Dinosaur Isle Museum opened in 2001 replacing the former geological museum above the library in Sandown. The museum welcomes over 60,000 visitors a year.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, Chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure Committee said “We are very grateful for the support led by the Arts Council. With additional funds from ourselves we can protect the home of this wonderful and important collection and museum,  that attracts both residents and many visitors to the island.

“It is part of our heritage and a place for education and enjoyed by many.”

Museum Curator and General Manager Dr Martin Munt said “The staff at the museum are excited that we have received this vital funding which will help ensure the long-term care of our Island’s fabulous fossil heritage”

The museum will be open until the end of August. Staff will still be accessible by telephone and email to answer enquiries and assist with identifications throughout the closed period. (email: dinosaur@iow.gov.uk  Telephone 01983 404344)

Dinosaur Isle is open daily in August from 9.30am – 5pm (last admission 4pm).  It is also a chance to view a remarkable new dinosaur with a dramatic sail running down its back and tail has been officially named and described — right here on the Isle of Wight. New  ‘sail-backed’ dinosaur unearthed on the Isle of Wight