Ever seen the movie Night At The Museum and wondered what if....?

Well wonder no more! Because, over three nights in May, museums all over the UK will be flinging open their doors to welcome back the public under the cover of darkness.

The events will take place as part of the National Museums At Night Festival which itself links in to the European Night At The Museums festival.

Here in Dorset visitors will be spoiled for choice over what to see and do over the evenings of Thursday, May 15 to Saturday, May 17, 2014. In Dorchester, eight venues are offering events for a single ticket price.

The Dinosaur Museum, The Tutankhamen Exhibition, Dorset County Museum, The Teddy Bear Museum, The Keep Military Museum, The Terracotta Warriors Museum, the Roman Town House and Thomas Hardy’s former home, Max Gate, are all taking part in the event this year, which will be held on May 17.

Entry to all of the attractions costs just £10 for a family of two adults and up to four children when bought in advance.

Tim Batty, from the World Heritage Museums and Exhibitions, said: “Museums at Night really does offer something for everyone whatever your interest. So whether it’s Tutankhamen or Romans, Thomas Hardy or teddy bears, dinosaurs or Dorchester’s local history, the Dorsetshire Regiment or terracotta warriors of a much earlier age, it’s there to be explored.”

New for 2014 will be a Museums at Night Trail where all those who follow the trail, find the answers to the clues and solve the puzzle will be entered in a prize draw.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the county, Christchurch’s Red House Museum is hosting an evening of live music, wine and food. They want visitors to join them for this evening social in a wonderful historical environment with a glass of wine and canapés from 7pm on Thursday, May 15.