Your Visit
Visit Palace Green Library to explore our exhibitions, see our historic libraries and research our collections. Plan your visit and find out about our facilities.
We’re excited to introduce our late-night opening at Palace Green Library every Thursday from 2 December.
You will be able to pre-book tickets to visit the the Museum of Archaeology and DLI Collection Gallery within Palace Green Library, all of which will be open until the later time of 7pm on a Thursday evening. The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre will also be open until this later time, with no booking required to visit.
The Barker Research Library within Palace Green Library will continue to close at 5pm.
Your visit
Visit to Palace Green Library and its exhibitions is free of charge.
To visit the Museum of Archaeology and Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collections Gallery within the building, you will be required to pre-book a combined ticket for a 1-hour timeslot through our online booking system.
You can visit Palace Green Library and the recently relocated World Heritage Site Visitor Centre without a booking - visitor numbers will be closely monitored, so there may be a short wait during busy times.
Newly implemented safety measures will be in place during your visit to ensure a safe environment.
The Museum of Archaeology is open in its new temporary home in the Dennyson Stoddart Gallery, located on the ground floor of Palace Green Library. Visitors will be able to enjoy our new special exhibition exploring the rich prehistoric and Roman archaeology of Durham.
Presented in partnership with Durham County Council, the Gallery tells the story of the Durham Light Infantry Regiment and its presence at some of the most important events in history.
Please note, due to capacity restrictions within the gallery, there may be a short wait during busier times. If you wish to access the collection for research purposes, please contact us to make an appointment.
Recently relocated to its new home within the Palace Green Library building from nearby Owengate, the Centre provide visitors with an overview of the World Heritage Site, including information about what it means to be a World Heritage Site, what makes Durham significant and what there is to see and do on the peninsular.
Research Access
The Barker Research Library within Palace Green Library is also open to the public for research access to Archives and Special Collections. The Library is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm with entry by appointment only.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
How to book
Visit Eventbrite to book your visit to Museum of Archaeology and Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collections Gallery - you can visit Palace Green Library and World Heritage Site Visitor Centre without a booking. Please note, bookings will be released each Monday for the week ahead.
About your visit
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.
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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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Where one-way systems are indicated, please follow the signs.
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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 our buildings – please use them regularly during your visit
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Air quality control checks are being carried out throughout our buildings 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
Opening hours
Details of the opening hours for our exhibitions, reception and the Barker Research Library.
Admission charges
Find out about our ticket prices for individuals, groups and schools.
Locations and directions
Plan your journey to Palace Green Library in the heart of Durham city.
Coronavirus
All Durham University Museums and Galleries follow the guidance issued by Public Health England.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-information-for-the-public
Opening hours and admission
Palace Green Library is open Monday-Sunday between 10am-5pm.
From 2nd December until 7pm on a Thursday (excluding Barker Reasearch Library).
Currently, we are offering free entry to all our visitors.
You can pre-book a combined ticket for Museum of Archaeology and DLI Gallery - find out more and book your visit.
The Special Collections can currently be accessed Monday-Friday 10am-5pm by appointment only.
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