Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Attractions > Museums & Galleries
You'll find a range of museums and galleries across the county. From Durham University's Oriental Museum to Beamish - England's largest open air museum and the surprising sight of The Bowes Museum in the Durham Dales - housing internationally significant fine arts.
See more below.
Number of results: 38
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Historic Site
Durham City
The Town Hall has been central to life in Durham city for more than 650 years. Learn about the powerful Prince Bishops, the evolution of local government and the historic and ongoing roles of the Mayor and Mayor’s Bodyguard. Since the 14th Century…
Gallery
Bishop Auckland
With three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery explores working life in the coal mines through original artefacts and artworks by prominent mining artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.
Public Art
NEWTON AYCLIFFE
Designed by artist Joseph Hillier, In Our Image is a landmark designed to represent the industrial heritage of the area.
Military
Spennymoor
The Durham Light Infantry Collection has moved to Sevenhills at Spennymoor. The dedicated research and study area is open by appointment Tuesday and Thursdays, 10 am – 3 pm. Appointments can also be made to view objects.
Gallery
Seaham
The EDAN Gallery is the only dedicated art gallery in East Durham.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
South Road, Durham
A brand-new cultural venue and register office for Durham and the wider county, The Story will be housed in the recently restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald manor house, which has been extended to incorporate a purpose-built, contemporary building.
Museum
Durham City
Over almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre is small building of architectural beauty situated in Wheatley Hill cemetery. It houses a permanent exhibition of colliery village life.
Museum
Durham City
Local history museum housed in historic church near cathedral. Tells the story of Durham from 10thC to present day using displays, models and artefacts. Brass rubbing and shop.
Arts Centre
Barnard Castle
The Witham is a community venue for theatre, music, art and social events, facilities range from the architecturally award-winning café bar to a fully-renovated Victorian music hall.
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Newbiggin
Situated amidst stunning woodland, near to Low and High Force waterfalls and surrounded by rolling fields that boast some of the best hay meadows in England, Bowlees Visitor Centre has all you need to make your visit to the North Pennines National…
Gallery
Bishop Auckland
The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Museum
Barnard Castle
There’s always something great to see and do at The Bowes Museum. With more than 50,000 items in this Museum of artists, designers and makers, there are treasures at every turn.
Museum
Durham City
Explore Ancient Egypt and Western Asia, the Himalayas, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia all in one museum. The Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of North Africa and Asia.
National Trust
Durham City
The medieval hall merges into a Jacobean manor house, which in turn merges into a Georgian town house, reflecting its development over the centuries. The Hall provides a spectacular backdrop to the stunning 10-acre gardens, paddock and fields,…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Bishop Auckland
The People’s Museum is situated in the old Hippodrome.
Museum
Bishop Auckland
Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain, inviting visitors to consider how people across history have…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Seaham
The East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre displays the historic lifeboat The George Elmy and gives and insight into the rich heritage of the area.
Museum
Cowshill
*Due to ongoing restoration works Killhope will remain temporarily closed throughout the 2024 season.
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