Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on August 21st, 2025 | return to news

Minecraft fans flock to Wimborne’s award-winning museum

The Museum of East Dorset has announced a massive 250 per cent increase in footfall thanks to its new Minecraft-themed family activities.

Minecraft fans of all ages have been flocking to Wimborne’s award-winning museum since the Minecraft programme was launched at the beginning of the summer holidays.

Blending heritage with Minecraft creativity, the Museum of East Dorset’s innovative programme has captured the imagination of hundreds of children and families, transforming the historic site into a hub of pixel-powered exploration – without a computer screen in sight.

The immersive activities in the museum and in its walled garden have proven to be a hit with seasoned gamers as well as curious newcomers.

“It’s been wonderful to see the museum buzzing with so many youngsters and full of energy and excitement,” said museum director Francesca Hollow.

From character hunts to crafty clay creations, families have been diving into a pixel-powered holiday filled with creativity and exploration.

Featured activities include a ‘Player Skin’ craft table where children can design and make their own player character, as well as don a disguise with mask crafts.

Children have also been able to dig for riches and hidden artefacts in the interactive Sandbox Mining dig zone and join the Mob Hunt Trail exploring the galleries in search of Minecraft mobs. Dressing up at the museum’s costume station has been a huge hit.

As part of the Minecraft Adventures, the museum Garden Room has been converted into a Mob Arena on occasional days throughout the summer – offering a chance to grab and aim a NERF Minecraft bow or crossbow at the creatures of the night.

Operations manager Andy Putt said: “The Minecraft sessions have offered a fresh and engaging way for young visitors to connect with local history – learning about architecture, archaeology and community heritage in the process. There’s even been a bit of maths thrown in, which the kids don’t seem to have minded.”

Families have praised the programme for its creativity, accessibility and ability to bring generations together through play.

Brother and sister Arthur and Lorna Downing, aged 8 and 10 from Corfe Mullen, are huge Minecraft fans and visited with their mum and grandparents.

“I’ve loved the Mob Arena shooting range and building at the craft table,” said Arthur. His sister Lorna said: “Finding all the hidden figures on the museum trail was great fun.”

Hollow added: “We’re absolutely delighted by the response. This initiative has shown how a modern trend like Minecraft can open new doors to learning and spark an interest in heritage. The Museum of East Dorset continues to prove that history isn’t just something to look at – it’s something to build, explore and bring to life.”

Minecraft activities continue to run until Saturday 6 September. Entry to the museum is valid for a whole year.