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Museum of Archaeology

The Museum of Archaeology's collections range from the prehistory to modern times. Our gallery charting the story of Durham is housed within Palace Green Library.
Three children sat in a gallery within the Museum of Archaeology

Building closure - upcoming dates

Due to extensive roofing works at Palace Green Library, there will be times when we have to close the building to visitors between summer 2024 and spring 2025.

Visit our Tickets and Times page for more information.

See our opening times

Plan Your Visit

Find out everything you need to know to get the most from our visit: how to find us, opening times and more. Plus, everything you need to know if you or anyone in your group has any special needs or requirements.

Contact us
A woman sat in a gallery within the Museum of Archaeology
Tickets and times
A family of two adults and three children outside the entrance to the Museum of Archaeology
Getting here
The exterior entrance of Palace Green Library
Access
A family of two adults and three children in the Museum of Archaeology gift shop
Facilities

Our collections

Find out more about the history of the museum and our collections.

  • Prehistoric

    Containing over 1,000 objects, from tools used by our earliest Palaeolithic ancestors to everyday objects used by local communities in the Iron Age.
    A coloured photograph showing several broken and complete bronze age swords and axes.

  • Roman

    Including thousands of objects, including the first complete Roman Fleet Diploma found in the UK and complete stone-carved altars.
    A coloured photograph of a number of objects found by divers in Piercebridge. Objects in the photograph include a spoon, scale armour, rings, coins, a fish hook, brooches and even the sole from a shoe.

  • Medieval

    The medieval period was a ‘golden age’ for Durham City, and not surprisingly, the Museum’s medieval collections are also impressive.
    A large metal cauldron, with 3 legs and two handles and round body sitting in front of a graduated background.

Prehistoric

Containing over 1,000 objects, from tools used by our earliest Palaeolithic ancestors to everyday objects used by local communities in the Iron Age.
A coloured photograph showing several broken and complete bronze age swords and axes.

Roman

Including thousands of objects, including the first complete Roman Fleet Diploma found in the UK and complete stone-carved altars.
A coloured photograph of a number of objects found by divers in Piercebridge. Objects in the photograph include a spoon, scale armour, rings, coins, a fish hook, brooches and even the sole from a shoe.

Medieval

The medieval period was a ‘golden age’ for Durham City, and not surprisingly, the Museum’s medieval collections are also impressive.
A large metal cauldron, with 3 legs and two handles and round body sitting in front of a graduated background.
View our collections
Went with another student friend during the summer, was expecting a lot of people but was actually very quiet and had a wonderful time….the main Museum of Archaeology had some lovely artifacts, which were all clearly displayed and provided with information which was very helpful. Many of the works came from digs done by the Archaeology department themselves, which helped the authenticity of the museum!
Amy Jiang
Greater London
A selection of archaeological artefacts on a black background

Search our collections

We welcome anyone who wishes to study our collections. Find out more about searching our collections online and how to make a research appointment.

View our collections
A coloured photograph showing archaeologists on a site in Claypath. The remains of a wall can be seen on the right.

Archaeological resources

The Museum of Archaeology is the repository for development-led archaeological material excavated in Durham City. Find out more about the deposit of archaeological resources and how our collections are used to support teaching and research at Durham's Department of Archaeology.

Deposit of Archaeological Resources Archaeology at Durham University
A grandparent and child looking at a museum case

Learning and Engagement

The Museum of Archaeology has a range of activities and workshops for schools and home learners as well as a talks programme and family friendly activities.

Schools and Home Learning Families and Lifelong Learning

Nearby attractions

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Durham Castle

Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site and occupied continuously since the 11th century.

2 Minute Walk
Durham Castle Courtyard

Durham World Heritage Site Visitor Centre

Find out everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Durham.
1 Minute Walk
Aerial View of Palace Green, Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral

Historic Libraries

Cosin’s Library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin to give local people access to ‘good books’.
1 Minute Walk
Cosin's Library interior

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