The museum offers eight themed permanent display galleries:
The story of how a small pottery that began operating in late 19th century Middlesbrough produced some of the most collectible art pottery. Much of the output was designed by Christopher Dresser and in its short 10 year life the pottery produced over 2000 different mould shapes.
A 19th. century collection of mounted birds and eggs amassed by renowned local ornithologist Thomas Hudson Nelson who wrote the ‘Birds of Yorkshire’. The bequest came into the museum in 1914 and has been maintained in its original Edwardian setting.
Although the town of Middlesbrough was only granted a charter in 1853 it has a history of human habitation stretching back thousands of years. Two galleries crammed with artefacts and stories about the town and its people.
Hanging in the double height space of the new Dorman Museum extension is a remarkable and unique historic plan. Measuring around 13 feet square this plan, painted on sailcloth, shows the extent and detail of the Lordship of Acklam Estates.