Saffron Walden Museum is delighted to announce POOCH, a new exhibition opening on 25 October 2025, celebrating humanity’s enduring bond with the dog. Running until 12 April 2026, the exhibition brings together archaeology, science, folklore, and pop culture to tell the fascinating story of our “best friend.”

From the earliest archaeological evidence tracing the evolution of domestic dogs to their role in today’s society, POOCH invites visitors to explore the many ways dogs have shaped—and been shaped by—human lives.

Highlights include:

· Archaeological Evidence – Discover how dogs evolved from wild canids into beloved companions.

· Comparative Anatomy – Examine the similarities and differences between dogs and their close relatives in the canidae family.

· Working Dogs – Featuring loans from the Essex Police Museum and Guide Dogs UK, showcasing the vital roles dogs continue to play in service and support.

· Dogs in Religion, Myth & Legend – Explore stories of faith and folklore with objects on loan from the Black Shuck Festival, shedding light on dogs’ symbolic power across cultures.

· Dogs in Pop Culture – Experience how dogs have left pawprints on film, television, art, and music.

· Immersive Installations – Enjoy audio-visual displays that bring to life the many ways dogs connect with us.

Charlotte Pratt, Learning and Outreach Officer at Saffron Walden Museum, said:

“Dogs have been our companions for thousands of years, and this exhibition brings together incredible objects and stories to celebrate that bond. From myth to modern service dogs, POOCH is an exploration of why we call dogs our best friends.”

POOCH promises to be an engaging, family-friendly exhibition for dog lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the unique relationship between humans and dogs.