What’s On Events Calendar
Shakespeare Recovered: Durham's First Folio
04 April 2025 - 06 April 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Historic Libraries
Our iconic book takes centre stage at Palace Green Library.
- Exhibition
- Exhibitions
- Holiday activities
- Public
- Everyone
Journey of a Century: From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum
26 September 2025 - 31 May 2026
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Jointly organised by the Palace Museum and the Oriental Museum
- Exhibition
- Exhibitions
- Public
- Family friendly
- Global
- Everyone
Echoes of Friendship: the Squire Family in Meiji Era Japan
25 November 2025 - 22 March 2026
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Oriental Museum
A story of cultural exchange and enduring connection
- Exhibitions
- Everyone
Little Dragons
18 March 2026 - 18 March 2026
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Oriental Museum
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
Lafcadio Hearn Project - Creating a World of Expression
18 March 2026 - 18 March 2026
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Oriental Museum
Four composers from Ireland and Japan come together to present a unique concert inspired by Lafcadio Hearn’s Ghost Stories. Each composer has selected a tale and created original piano music to accompany a live spoken reading.
- Music
- Performance
- Public
- Global
- Everyone
County Durham and Darlington Archaeology Day 2026
21 March 2026 - 21 March 2026
10:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Museum of Archaeology
We are delighted to invite you to a day of talks and displays exploring some of the most exciting recent archaeological work in County Durham and Darlington. The conference will be held in the Richard D. Chambers FRS Lecture Theatre (CG85), located on the Lower Mount Joy site of Durham University and has been organised by Durham County Council Archaeology Section and the Museum of Archaeology.
- Accessible
- Outreach & community
- Public
- Talks, training, seminars & conferences
- Everyone
- Lifelong Learners and Community groups
- Local and family historians
- Students in HE
Guided Tour - Hidden Voices: the Women of Durham Castle
21 March 2026 - 21 March 2026
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Durham Castle
Join us on a bespoke guided tour of Durham Castle and discover more about some of the women who shaped its history.
- Public
- Tour
- Everyone
Little Dragons
25 March 2026 - 25 March 2026
9:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Oriental Museum
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
Twilight Talks - From fried fish shops to Methodist chapels: Easington Colliery 1910-1924
26 March 2026 - 26 March 2026
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Museum of Archaeology
Join Archivist Andrew Gray for a glimpse into the early growth of Easington Colliery, revealed through the archives of the Church Commissioners. These records capture the practical decisions and lively debates that shaped a community developing alongside its colliery.
- Lecture
- Outreach & community
- Public
- Talks, training, seminars & conferences
- Everyone
Durham Art Collective: Lino Printing
27 March 2026 - 27 March 2026
3:30 PM - 4:55 PM
Museum of Archaeology
A youth group for 12-18 year olds to learn practical art skills. This month we will be making Lino prints. This session includes using cutting tools the carve into lino to make prints. Taking inspiration from artists such as Edward Bawden and Otto Pankok from the Durham University Art Collection who made prints using lino and wood cut.
- Creative
- Children and families
- School students
- Teachers / Home Educators
- Young People
Family Activities: Terrific Traders
28 March 2026 - 28 March 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Learn about gold and silver coins then make your coins, complete with a dinky money pouch.
- Accessible
- Creative
- Outreach & community
- Family friendly
- Children and families
- Everyone
What’s on across our venues
Our unique cultural attractions include Durham Castle, Botanic Garden, Historic Libraries at Palace Green, Oriental Museum, Museum of Archaeology and our World Heritage Site Visitor Centre. Whatever your interest, there's something for everyone to enjoy.