The Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of Britain devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the Orient. Our Chinese and Egyptian collections are among the finest to be found anywhere in Britain.
Visitors can explore galleries devoted to China, Ancient Egypt, Japan, India and Tibet, the Islamic World and South East Asia. Use the links on the left to help you find information to plan your visit or explore our collections.
'Apple' by Li Lihong
New China gallery now open
The new Malcolm MacDonald Gallery: China is now open to the public showcasing the museum's internationally important Chinese collections.
Occupying a whole floor of the museum, the completely refurbished gallery features ceramics, ancient jades, bronze weapons and religious artefacts. Highlights include models made for burial in ancient tombs, fine porcelain created for the Imperial court, an ancient iron horse and exquisitely carved jade ornaments. Find out more in our News section.
For further information on our ongoing gallery improvement programme, see our Redevelopment page.
Family Activities
Chinese New Year celebrations began on Monday 23rd January. At the Oriental Museum we are celebrating with Dragon themed crafts and activities in the Chinese galleries until 6th February.
On Monday 6th February we will hold our annual Lantern Festival.
Visit our What's on page for information about these activities, and find out about our exciting new club for 0-5 year olds.
Current Exhibitions
Beyond the Great Wave
9th December 2011 - 27th May 2012
Hokusai, book illustration and the origins of manga.
For more information see our Exhibitions page.
Friends Lectures
The Friends of the Oriental Museum host a series of monthly lectures over the year. Please visit our Friends page for further information on this year's lecture series.
For further information on forthcoming events and activities go to our What's On page.
@dumuseums
Durham University is home to two very different museums: the Oriental Museum and the Old Fulling Mill Museum of Archaeology.
- Tudor family activities at the Old Fulling Mill Museum this weekend. Enjoy a stroll along the river too! http://t.co/FEImkqca
Tweeted 12 hours ago - @LangdaleLife @grasmerevillage Lovely picture!! so calm and peaceful..
Tweeted 12 hours ago - Don't forget our Chinese New Year Lantern Festival is on Monday evening, 6pm http://t.co/4emHjw5X
Tweeted 2 days ago - Oriental Museum has been awarded a grant of £87,600 to create new Japan and Korea galleries.
Tweeted 3 days ago
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