What’s On Events Calendar

An exhibition of our Archives and Special Collections, telling hidden stories from the shelves and strongrooms. (Please note, access to this exhibition will be affected by the upcoming Palace Green Library closure dates.)

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Visit the Student Art Prize 2023/24 exhibition and explore this years theme of Paradise.

• Creative
• Everyone

When you think about the history of Durham, what comes to mind? Beautiful architecture, rich and powerful people and the history you find in textbooks. But how often do we stop and think about the lives of ordinary people? This exhibition explores the past of Durham through the ordinary people who lived and worked here.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Drawing on the objects and photographs of the main donors to the Korean collection at the Oriental Museum, Knitted Together details Richard and Joan Rutt’s 20 years living in South Korea in the immediate aftermath of the Korean War (1950 – 1953).

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Public
• Family friendly
• Everyone

The Feathers and the Feminine installation was created by members of Interface Arts in memory of their friend Carolyn Corfield, who passed away last year. A creative and dynamic member of the Durham based group, Carolyn primarily produced sculptural ceramics, some of which are on display as part of the installation.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Learn all about Anubis, the Ancient Egyptian god of the underworld and make your own Anubis mask.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join us for an enlightening talk on the evolution of medieval seals.

• Lecture
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Join Sue Elsdon in the Glasshouse for a festive wreath making workshop. 

• Creative

Find out about Japanese bento boxes and create your own paper sushi, chopsticks and more!

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join Sue Elsdon in the Glasshouse for a festive flower demonstration. 

• Creative

Everyone is welcome to this hands-on workshop exploring Palestinian textile heritage.

• Workshop
• Everyone
• Friends of the Oriental Museum
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups

Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and stories.

• Creative
• Public
• Under 5s

Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and stories.

• Creative
• Public
• Under 5s

Join Mixed Media Artist Sarah Calavera for an exciting hands-on workshop and discover the magic of laser print image transfers!

• Creative
• Everyone

Oriental Museum is open until 7pm on the 1st Thursday of every month.

• Accessible
• Exhibitions
• Lates
• Public
• Everyone

Spot the magnificent Chinese lion on display and make your own roar-some lion puppet.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Explore the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join the Durham University Staff Chamber Choir at the Botanic Garden for their 'Music for Christmas' performance.

• Family friendly

Oriental Museum: International projects update Gill Ramsay, Assistant Curator, Oriental Museum

• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Friends of the Oriental Museum

Check out an intriguing sculpture called Coral Eye and make your own coral-inspired seascape.

• Family friendly
• Children and families