Visit Us
Visit the Oriental Museum to marvel at our collections and see our special exhibitions. Our nationally important collections are located over 4 floors, with plenty to discover about the cultures of the orient. Use our webpages to plan your visit, find out about our facilities and take a minute to find out more about what you can do to be a greener tourist.
We’re excited to introduce our late-night opening at Oriental Museum every Thursday from 2 December.
You will be able to pre-book tickets to visit the the Museum which will be open until the later time of 7pm on a Thursday evening.
Newly implemented safety measures will be in place during your visit to ensure the museum remains Covid-secure.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
About your visit
From 10th November, there will be external building work taking place at the Oriental Museum. This won't affect access to the museum or your visit, but we will have limited parking available during this time. If you have any specific parking requirements, please call 0191 334 5691 and we will be happy to advise.
We know everyone will feel differently about visiting us and keeping safe in the current circumstances.
We continue to prioritise the safety of our visitors and staff at our sites. Our current practices will remain in place after 19 July, to maintain reassurance and comfort for visitors and staff, and ensure everyone’s enjoyment. This will be regularly reviewed and any changes will be communicated on our webpages.
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We will be monitoring visitor numbers closely to allow plenty of space and avoid overcrowding - currently, there is a limit of up to a maximum of 6 per booking
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Please arrive on time for your visit - unfortunately we won't be able to accommodate arrivals outside of the chosen booking time. The time you have booked is your allocated visiting time
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There is a one-way system throughout the museum with signage in place
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Be mindful of others - please allow space between you and other visitors during your visit
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Please continue to wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt) during your time with us
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Handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the museum – please use them regularly during your visit
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Air quality control checks are being carried out to make sure we have appropriate ventilation
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Enhanced cleaning regimes are continuing across all our buildings
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Glass screens have been installed at reception areas, but you’ll see and meet our welcoming staff on arrival
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Please note that the museum shop and café are closed at present
How to book
Booking links for each day can be found under our Opening Hours and Admission section on the right hand side of this page. Please note that bookings will be released each Monday for the week ahead.
For Thursday evening opening please visit the following page to book Oriental Museum : Events - Durham University
Location and directions
Directions to the Museum and advice on how to reach us via different modes of transport.
Access and facilities
We aim to provide a friendly, accessible environment for all our visitors.
Shop
Browse our range of oriental-inspired gifts and souvenirs, to suit all ages and pockets.
Café
Our modern café facilities provide a welcome space in which to relax during your visit.
Green Tourism
Find out how you can help us to improve our contribution to sustaining the environment.
Plan your visit
Download a plan of our galleries
Opening hours and admission
The Oriental Museum will be open on Wednesday – Friday between 10am-4pm and Saturday – Sunday between 12pm-4pm for pre-booked visits. The museum will remain closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow staff to continue their university teaching commitments.
Thursday evening opening until 7pm please visit here to book Oriental Museum : Events - Durham University
Currently, we are offering free entry to all our visitors.
Click the links below to make a booking for your day of choice this week (bookings are released each Monday for the week ahead):
Using a Sat Nav to get to us?
For satellite navigation systems, the Oriental Museum postcode is DH1 3TH.
(please use the lower car park straight ahead)
WATCH OUR VIDEO
GREAT China Welcome Charter
This is a partnership between VisitBritain and those British tourism businesses who are committed to providing exceptional service to Chinese travellers. The Oriental Museum is proud to be a member of this scheme.