What’s On Events Calendar

From elephants to buffalo and monkeys, learn about the animals of South Asia and design your own animal mask.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Come hang out with us and explore the vibrant world of Pop Art at our event "Meet the Art Collection: Pop Art"!

• Creative
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• School students
• Students in HE
• Young People

Robert will describe the main sacred Buddhist sites in India, illustrated by pictures taken while on pilgrimage. Ancient and modern temples mark significant events in the life of the Buddha, where Buddhists of all traditions still gather to practice and to celebrate. But in India things are often not quite what they seem!

• Lecture
• Friends of the Oriental Museum

Come along to a relaxed family activity session for neurodiverse children and their families.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Workshop
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• Teachers / Home Educators
• Young People

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

• Creative

Come along and celebrate drawing and take your pencil for a walk! Try our epic drawing challenges in free mini sketchbook.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Palace Green Library is open until 7pm on the 4th Thursday of every month.

• Accessible
• Exhibitions
• Lates
• Public
• Everyone

Join two of our conservation team as they discuss how and why they completed a collection storage survey across all University collections last year, and what their favourite objects were.

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

Visit our new exhibition about a man who was very keen on knitting and try finger knitting a colourful bracelet.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Steady your nerves for a unique and atmospheric family tour around Durham Castle!

• Tour
• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join our new Biodiversity Manager, Ian Armstrong for a guided walk around the Great Highwood area of the Durham University Estate.

• Tour

Join Us for Hands-On History! Handle replica objects and uncover fascinating stories behind our collections.

• Exhibition
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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

• Creative

How did the Ancient Egyptians build the pyramids? Try some pyramid building experiments and find out.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join us to find out more about this years Student Art Prize and what prizes you can win!

• Creative
• Everyone

Are you interested in Japan? Come along and try origami, calligraphy and chopstick games.

• Family friendly

Paint a gorgeous blue and white paper vase just like the Chinese pots at the Oriental Museum.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Calling all craft kids and grown-ups! Help us prepare for Diwali and make some super firework decorations to display in the museum.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with this special late night opening.

• Festival
• Outreach & community
• Student experience
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• Students in HE
• Young People

Explore the dynamic universe of gel plate printing in this hands-on workshop with local North East mixed media artist Sarah Calavera!

• Creative
• Everyone

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

• Creative
• Everyone

Boost your overall wellbeing with Flowerfulness with Sue Elsdon in the Glasshouse.

• Creative

Come along and make a fab fishy collage inspired by a tiny boat in the Silk Roads Gallery.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Make a hand-stitched bird key ring to grace your Christmas tree or give as a gift.

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

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 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

Join us for a unique visit to Durham Castle for the whole family to celebrate the festive season.

• Holiday activities
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world and decorate ceramic Christmas decorations to take home.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Durham University Science 100 outdoor exhibition explores the history of science education and research at Durham, featuring remarkable artefacts and stories from our museum collections.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Find out why the bravest Ancient Egyptians were award a golden fly and make your own.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Rivers Within is a creative project by homegrown artist Ruth Flowers who has recently been exploring Durham folklore legend, The Lambton Worm and connections to the River Wear. This has been made possible by the support of Cultivate Commissions, a strand of Into the Light initiative delivered by organisations No More Nowt and Northern Heartlands.

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Everyone

Spot the Selfie Queen sculpture in our South Asian Gallery and make some funky selfie art.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Inspired by the beautiful blue and white Chinese ceramics at the Oriental Museum, spend an afternoon creating your own blue and white artworks using inks on paper and ceramic.

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

Did you know that plum blossom is a symbol of winter in Chinese culture? Find out about this special flower and make a snowy plum blossom wreath.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for an up-close viewing of the Art Collection inspired by this years Student Art Prize theme of light.

• Creative
• Everyone

Take your gel printing skills to the next level in this exciting 2-hour workshop with our local Artist in Residency, Sarah Calavera!

• Creative
• Everyone

Over the past 2 years, work has been undertaken by Durham's curatorial staff to begin to reawaken the university's Bioscience Collection. In this talk, recent graduate intern Anna will explore the processes of reviving the Bioscience Collection through careful curation, conservation, and archival research.

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

Chat to members of Durham University Islamic Society and try making your own Islamic-inspired geometric artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for an evening talk by South Korean artist Seeun Kim on traditional Korean jewellery.

• Exhibition
• Outreach & community
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Check out the intricate patterns on the baskets on display and weave your own woollen flower.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join Student Art Prize Artist in Residency, Sarah Calavera for a talk about her practice and residency.

• Creative
• Everyone

Get ready for the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival and make tissue paper lantern to decorate the museum.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Everyone is welcome at this spectacular Lunar New Year Lantern Festival.

• Festival
• Performance
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• School students

Explore our new exhibition about man who loved cats and make a super cute cat puppet.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Ever wondered about the huge door at the Oriental Museum? Make your own mysterious 3D doorway...

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun tour around Durham Castle, with activities for children throughout!

• Public
• Tour
• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Try out our new audio guide and find out about an ancient Egyptian man called Paser. Then create your own Paser clay statue.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Explore the museum after hours in this alternative museum scavenger hunt with the Art Collection.

• Creative
• Everyone

Join Curator of the Korean Collections, Lauren Barnes to learn more about our current temporary exhibition, 'Knitted Together: the Korean lives and legacies of Richard and Joan Rutt'. In this talk, Lauren will share stories of two of the main donors to the Oriental Museum's Korean collection, Richard and Joan Rutt, and give an insight into their fascinating collection and its journey from Daejeon in South Korea, to the Oriental Museum in Durham.

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

Be prepared to get messy and make your own monoprint artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly

See a traditional set of Japanese Hina Matsuri dolls - only displayed for a short time each year in the run up the Hina Matsuri - and create your own Emperor or Empress doll to take home.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Create your own felted landscape artwork.

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

Come along to the Botanic Garden to share the Day of Reflection with us.

• Family friendly

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

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

• Accessible
• Exhibitions
• Lates
• Public
• Everyone

Find out about Chinese oracle bones and write a secret message using ancient symbols.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Welcome the spring season to Durham with Holi Festival!

• Festival
• Children and families
• Everyone
• School students
• Under 5s
• Young People

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Learn about the Ancient Persians, spot a 2500 year old silver bowl and try simple foil embossing.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Palace Green Library is open until 7pm on the 4th Thursday of this month.

• Accessible
• Exhibitions
• Lates
• Public
• Everyone

This illustrated talk will explore the diverse range of coins that circulated in Britain and Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Italian Renaissance.

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

Find out about Ancient Egyptian mummification and make your own canopic jar.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for a special viewing of the Art Collection. See a selection of works by contemporary artists working in the North East.

• Creative
• Everyone

An exhibition of the entrants to our international bookbinding competition.

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Everyone

Our iconic book takes centre stage at Palace Green Library.

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Everyone

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr and join us for an afternoon of arts and crafts, delicious food and readings. Everyone welcome.

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Festival
• Outreach & community
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• School students
• Students in HE
• Under 5s
• Young People

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us at Durham Castle for a special visit at your own pace this April.

• Tour
• Children and families
• Everyone

Spot some amazing Chinese shadow puppets, then try making your own and telling your own story.

• Outreach & community
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Pick up a paintbrush, join in with some arty school holiday fun and decorate a shield.

• Outreach & community
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join us at Durham Castle for a special visit at your own pace this April.

• Tour
• Children and families
• Everyone

Find out about the Japanese art of paper folding and make an origami rocket ship that can fly!

• Outreach & community
• Children and families
• Everyone

Easter Chicks are hiding in the Garden over Easter Weekend. Pick up your spotter sheet and see how many you can find in this fun family event. Self-led activity.

• Family friendly

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Spot the huge hippo jaw and make a your own to take home.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly

Join artist Ruth Flowers and create your own little clay sculpted beast for an upcoming exhibition.

• Outreach & community
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Children and families

Join us for a talk on the journey of Durham’s First Folio—from its creation in 1623 to its theft, recovery, and future. This talk is an invitation to join conservators from Palace Green Library behind the scenes in the considerations required to steward our heritage.

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

Join us for a free talk on Korean Buddhist music given by Prof Simon Mills, Department of Music, Durham University

• Exhibition
• Outreach & community
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Join us on Friday 25th April to celebrate World Heritage Day and visit our wonderful attractions.

• Exhibitions
• Festival
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Tour
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Spot some darning in the museum and learn how Japanese people make repairs beautiful.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Play with colour and make your own bold and bright artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for a free talk given by Canon Professor Michael Snape FBA, Durham University

• Exhibition
• Outreach & community
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Get ready to celebrate Japanese Children's Day, make cool carp banners and dress up in kimonos.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Celebrate the most important day in the Buddhist calendar and join us for making, meditation, talks on Buddhism and traditional Buddha Bathing. There will also be a new Gallery trail and introduction to yoga session. Suitable for all the family.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Workshop
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• 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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Learn about animal-headed gods around the world and make your own animal guardian.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Discover the history of Durham's Museum of Archaeology, from its early days as a cabinet of curiosities to its collection shaped by changing times and people.

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

A vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity and voices of community groups who regularly collaborate with the Oriental Museum.

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

Be inspired by our new community exhibition and make your own cute camel art.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Come along to enjoy the Botanic Garden annual Fun Day this Bank Holiday Monday 26 May. There will be a host of FREE, family-friendly activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy, from face-painting to flower arranging, to crafts and Samuri sword demonstrations and discover our Crazy Creatures, all accompanied by live music from Pittington Brass Band. Plus - Our Friends of the Garden will be holding their annual plant sale!

• Outreach & community
• Student experience
• Family friendly

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us in the Bloom Room and decorate our giant flowers - perfect for budding artists.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Discover some spooky curses from around the world and make a lucky charm

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Try some easy drawing and tracing techniques and draw like a pro!

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Spot a giant drum and make one of your very own!

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Experience the joy and wonder of storytelling through the Oriental Museum’s new summer exhibition, Telling Tales Making Stories Come to Life.

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

Contemporary artist Dinah Kelly shines a light on the protective powers and symbolism of charms, talismans and amulets.

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

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore is a free exhibition which explores the development of storytelling throughout Historic County Durham.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Children and families
• Everyone

Learn about amulets and talismans and make your own pendant.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Check out our amazing new exhibition Telling Tales and make a storyboard of your favourite story.

• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join the Beasts and Legends student exhibition team at Palace Green Library as they share their experiences of curating the exhibition. Discover artefacts from Durham University’s collections, objects on loan from Durham Cathedral, and collaborative artworks by local artist Ruth Flowers.

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

Experience a FREE South Korean drumming performance presented by students from the Durham University P'ungmul Society and try writing a secret code in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. After the performance, you will have the opportunity to try out the instruments yourself! Please note: The drumming performance will be loud and last 15 minutes. Sensory bags are available on request. The craft activities will be taking place in a quieter area.

• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Immerse yourself in the history of Durham by taking part into a guided tour around the World Heritage Site.

• Tour
• Everyone

Immerse yourself in the history of Durham by taking part into a guided tour around the World Heritage Site.

• Tour
• Everyone

Spot the boats in the museum and make 3D sea sculpture.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Immerse yourself in the history of Durham by taking part into a guided tour around the World Heritage Site.

• Tour
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Discover the latest scientific research we've been doing on a very special statue of Guanyin and use your imagination to recreate how it might have looked like 500 years ago.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Experiment with shape and colour and create a unique print on fabric.

• Workshop
• Everyone

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us at Durham Castle for a special visit at your own pace this summer.

• Tour
• Children and families
• Everyone

Step behind the scenes of museum care and archaeological science at this hands-on open day exploring the fascinating world of conservation, led by conservation students from the Department of Archaeology.  

• Holiday activities
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join us at Durham Castle for a special visit at your own pace this summer.

• Tour
• Children and families
• Everyone

Make a beautiful fan to help you stay cool over the summer!

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Step behind the scenes of museum care and archaeological science at this hands-on open day exploring the fascinating world of conservation, led by conservation students from the Department of Archaeology.  

• Holiday activities
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join us for family activities inspired by our exhibition, Shakespeare Recovered. Drop in, all welcome, aged 5-12

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Hunt for the Tek Sing shipwreck and learn how underwater archaeologists study shipwrecks.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Learn how archaeologists study Ancient Egyptian mummies and make an x-ray of your own!

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Be part of the Festival of Archaeology with a family-friendly event at the Museum of Archaeology. Join Out There Adventures Living History Team as they bring Roman archaeology to life, and meet our curators who will share fascinating insights into our collections.

• Holiday activities
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

See a beautiful Japanese kimono and try dressing up your own mini doll.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join us for a creative workshop with artist Dinah Kelly. Create your own unique amulet full of personal meaning.

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

Join us for family activities inspired by our exhibition, Shakespeare Recovered. Drop in, all welcome, but suitable for aged 5-12 and their families.

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• 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
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Be a detective and hunt down some objects that might not be exactly what they seem and make one of your own.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone