The Museum of Archaeology is opening a new permanent gallery on 19 June, focusing on the history of Durham County and its residents. This new permanent exhibition marks the re-opening of the upstairs gallery in the Museum which has been closed for building work since the pandemic.
The reopening of the gallery and the Dig Deeper exhibition has been curated by students studying for a Master of Arts in Museum and Artefact Studies. The new gallery will include interactive games, activities to appeal to visitors of all ages. It also features a community wall that will spotlight local archaeology, art and a documentary about the creation of the exhibition.
The opportunity to curate an exhibition of this calibre, in a World Heritage Site venue, is unique for students and a major attraction for applicants to the popular MA Museum and Artefacts Studies course. Working on this project alongside professional curators gives students the opportunity to develop skills that will prove invaluable in their future careers.
A variety of objects from the Museum’s vast collections will be on display in the new gallery. These artifacts range from children’s toys to a Norman ice skate, an Anglo-Saxon sword mount and even a name plate from an Iron Monger on Silver Street.
The exhibition and refurbishment of the gallery was made possible, thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund which supports heritage projects across the UK, and was made possible through money raised by National Lottery players.
The gallery redevelopment also sits alongside other recent University investment across the Durham World Heritage Site, including conservation work at the Norman Chapel in Durham Castle and the Almshouses on Palace Green, supporting the long-term preservation of the city’s heritage.
The Museum of Archaeology is open 10am – 5pm Monday – Friday and 11am – 4pm on Saturdays and is free entry.
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