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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries

You'll find a range of museums and galleries across the county. From Durham University's Oriental Museum to Beamish - England's largest open air museum and the surprising sight of The Bowes Museum in the Durham Dales - housing internationally significant fine arts.

See more below.

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Number of results: 35

, currently showing 1 to 20.

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  1. external image of Durham Town Hall

    Add Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed to your Itinerary

    Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Durham City

    The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. A recent makeover complete with new interpretation, interactive information points, short films and audio guides all combine to bring this stunning building, and the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times

    Indicative Availability

    Book Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed Online (opens in a new window)

    More info for Durham Town Hall - temporarily closed
  2. Free Open Treasure entry to lottery ticket holders

    Add Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 6762 reviews6762 reviews

    Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed

    Type

    Type:

    Cathedral / Minister

    Durham City

    Open Treasure is an award-winning museum for all ages which guides visitors through some of Durham Cathedral’s most spectacular spaces, including the fourteenth-century Monks’ Dormitory and the monastic Great Kitchen.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Open Treasure at Durham Cathedral - temporarily closed
  3. Entrance of Oriental Museum

    Add Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 342 reviews342 reviews

    Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum.  The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.

    Dates

    From:
    2 Jan 2021to23 Dec 2021Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Green Awards Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold 2015Green Tourism Business Scheme - Gold
    • Visit England Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2017Quality Assured Visitor Attraction
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended 2015North East England Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Highly Commended
    • Regional and Miscellaneous Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2018Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence
    More info for Durham University Oriental Museum - Closed until further notice due to COVID-19
  4. The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop

    Add The Auckland Project -  No 42 Gallery and Shop - to reopen June 2021 to your Itinerary

    The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop - to reopen June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    No.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition. Here you can see some of the intriguing objects and archives that The Auckland Project holds, as well as hearing some of the fascinating oral…

    Dates

    More info for The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop - to reopen June 2021
  5. In Our Image Sculpture by Joseph Hillier

    Add Sculpture: In Our Image to your Itinerary

    Sculpture: In Our Image

    Type

    Type:

    Public Art

    NEWTON AYCLIFFE

     Designed by artist Joseph Hillier, In Our Image is a landmark designed to represent the industrial heritage of the area.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Sculpture: In Our Image
  6. Palace Green Library: DLI Collection Gallery

    Add DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 119 reviews119 reviews

    DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Explore the history of the Durham Light Infantry enjoying items from the collection with audio, displays and access to the medal collection on demand in the Barker Research Library.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    More info for DLI Collection at Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
  7. Durham Mining Museum

    Add Durham Mining Museum to your Itinerary

    Durham Mining Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Spennymoor

    Spennymoor Town Hall has it’s dedicated memorial to the works and lives lost during the mining period across County Durham. Events cover mining in the Northern part of England i.e. County Durham, Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmorland and the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Durham Mining Museum
  8. Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre

    Add Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

    Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    The centre provides a unique interpretation of the fascinating local heritage, heritage skills training for volunteers and has business units to support creative businesses in the area. In addition, the site is also home to a small café and gift…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre
  9. Apollo Pavilion

    Add Apollo Pavilion to your Itinerary

    Apollo Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Public Art

    Peterlee

    An iconic example of 1960s public art and designed by Edwin John Victor Pasmore (d. 1998) during his time as consultant Director of urban design for Peterlee Development Corporation.   It was opened in 1969, the same year as the first manned mission…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Apollo Pavilion
  10. Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

    Add Durham Museum and Heritage Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 110 reviews110 reviews

    Durham Museum and Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    Local history museum housed in historic church near cathedral. Tells the story of Durham from 10thC to present day using displays, models and artefacts. Brass rubbing and shop.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Durham Museum and Heritage Centre
  11. Exterior seating of cafe

    Add Bishop Auckland Town Hall to your Itinerary

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in Bishop Auckland market place. It offers regular art exhibitions, live music, theatre and films as well as a café and library with free internet access and local history…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Bishop Auckland Town Hall
  12. The Bowes Museum 
Rainbow, Grounds, Blue Skies

    Add The Bowes Museum to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1727 reviews1727 reviews

    The Bowes Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Barnard Castle

    An iconic building and Museum set in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle in the midst of Teesdale, housing outstanding collections of European fine and decorative art.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021Open 10:00 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Visit Britain We're Good To Go 2020We're Good To Go
    More info for The Bowes Museum
  13. Bishop Trevor Gallery auckland tower

    Add Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021 to your Itinerary

    Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    The gallery will house a special programme of exhibitions, bringing fine art to Bishop Auckland, in particular European paintings dating from 1600 to 1900. This will include masterpieces on loan from private collections.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021
    More info for Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project: To open June 2021
  14. World Heritage Site Visitor Centre

    Add World Heritage Site Visitor Centre - Closed until early 2021 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 122 reviews122 reviews

    World Heritage Site Visitor Centre - Closed until early 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Durham City

    A free visitor centre providing an introduction to Durham World Heritage Site and what there is to see and do in and around the site. Ideal for families.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2020to31 Dec 2021Open 09:30 - 17:00

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 2020TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020
    More info for World Heritage Site Visitor Centre - Closed until early 2021
  15. The Witham lit up at night

    Add The Witham to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 111 reviews111 reviews

    The Witham

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Barnard Castle

    The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    • Visit Britain We're Good To Go 2020We're Good To Go
    More info for The Witham
  16. bowlees

    Add Bowlees Visitor Centre to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 285 reviews285 reviews

    Bowlees Visitor Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Newbiggin

    Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling fields that boast some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines Area of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2021to30 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 16:00

    Awards

    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Gold 2016North East England Tourism Awards - Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Gold
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
    More info for Bowlees Visitor Centre
  17. Palace Green Library Durham

    Add Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 119 reviews119 reviews

    Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham

    Palace Green Library, in the heart of Durham city, holds Durham University's special collections. Our galleries are open to all and display treasures spanning millennia and the globe.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2019to31 Dec 2021Open 09:00 - 17:00
    More info for Palace Green Library - closed to walk-in visitors until early 2021
  18. a street in the 1900's town in Beamish Museum

    Add Beamish - The Living Museum of the North to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 7821 reviews7821 reviews

    Beamish - The Living Museum of the North

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Beamish

    Experience a real sense of your past at Beamish, a living, working museum, set in 300 acres of beautiful Durham countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2021to31 Dec 2021

    Awards

    • Visit England VAQAS 2019VAQAS
    • Regional and Miscellaneous North East England Tourism Awards - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Highly Commended 2020North East England Tourism Awards - Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award - Highly Commended
    • Visit England Visit England Award for Excellence Bronze 2016Visit England Award for Excellence Bronze
    • Visit Britain We're Good To Go 2020We're Good To Go
    • Regional and Miscellaneous TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020 2020TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award 2020
    More info for Beamish - The Living Museum of the North
  19. Museum of Archaeology

    Add Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19 to your Itinerary

    Tripadvisor

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 38 reviews38 reviews

    Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Durham City

    **Closed until further notice**
    Living on the Hills - 10,000 years of Durham. This permanent exhibition uses objects from Museum of Archaeology, alongside objects from across Durham University and other regional museums to explore the last 10,000…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Open 10:00 - 17:00
    More info for Museum of Archaeology - Closed until further notice due to Covid-19
  20. Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021

    Add Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021 to your Itinerary

    Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021

    Type

    Type:

    Gallery

    Bishop Auckland

    With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery explores working life in the coal mines through original artefacts and artworks by prominent mining artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2020to31 Dec 2021Various Opening Times
    More info for Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project - to reopen June 2021
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