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

Have you ever looked at an ancient castle and wondered how it’s still standing? This exhibition will explore the history of construction and building conservation at Durham Castle, with a particular focus on the Norman Chapel Project, a long-term endeavour to preserve the oldest free-standing building in Durham.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

STRIKE is a new women-led public art collective in County Durham. Together they use public art to take up space without apology, saying farewell to the many ‘sorrys’ of the women who walked before them.

• Creative
• 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

A youth group for 12-18 year olds to learn practical art skills.

• Creative
• School students

The two-day conference in Durham has been organised in partnership with Durham University including the Museum of Archaeology, the Finds Research Group, and the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland will be themed around the Archaeology of Waterways. Presentations will include topics from all over the world and from around the UK about archaeological research and investigations of the ancient and historic waterways.

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

Find out about the beautiful Korean moon jar with our new audio guide and make a moon garland to hang up.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

In this two-part workshop create your own clay vessel inspired by symbolism from local folklore legend ‘The Lambton Worm’.

• Creative
• Everyone

Using UV lights to make cyanotypes- drawing with light with Student Art Prize, Artist in Residence, Sarah Calavera.

• Creative
• 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