The Bowes Museum

About

The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts. Purpose-built in the 19th Century by John and Joséphine Bowes, the museum has a wonderful story to tell.

The diverse collection spans three floors of the magnificent building and contains items too numerous to list. Whether it is a painting by Canaletto or Goya, porcelain produced at Sèvres, or marquetry attributed to Andre-Charles Boullé it can all be found at the Bowes Museum, which has received Designated status from the government in recognition of the outstanding collection.

Visitors to the Bowes Museum today can not only learn of John and Joséphine's wonderful story and marvel at the fascinating collection but can also enjoy lots of beautiful spaces, perfect for your entertaining needs. From the stunning picture galleries, serene music room and opulent Jubilee room we can host your event, conference or private hire.

You can also enjoy a delicious bite to eat in Café Bowes. Our chefs source the very best local ingredients to create a super tasty seasonal menu. Whether it’s breakfast, a quick cuppa and a slice of cake, a leisurely three course lunch or scrumptious afternoon tea, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds. We’re happy to adapt any of our dishes for allergies or personal requirements. We hold lots of events with specially created tasting menus too.

We have a vast range of rooms available for private hire and we cater for all types of events such as corporate bookings, private events and weddings.

Our Jubilee room is the perfect private function and versatile space for meetings, conferences, talks and dinners. In this room, we can host up to 64 seated for dinner and up to 100 theatre-style. Catering and refreshments can be provided at an extra cost and equipment such as a projector, screen, lectern and PA system can be set up as requested by the client.

The music room is a smaller and more immersive space. This room can hold 32 seated for dinner and up to 64 set up theatre style. This room provides a backdrop of beauty and artistic license- being surrounded by musical instruments from years gone by and beautiful paintings.

Our Blue Picture Gallery is a perfect space for larger groups and events. Seating up to 100 for dinner and 200 theatre style you will be surrounded by magnificent and world-renowned paintings from the 19th Century. You will also get to marvel at the incredible artistic works of our founder Joséphine Bowes who's paintings are proudly on display.