Palace Green Library Exhibitions : Your Visit

Visit Palace Green Library to explore our exhibitions, see our historic libraries and research our collections.

Visiting Palace Green Library and its exhibitions is free of charge.

You don’t need to book to visit Palace Green Library, Museum of Archaeology, Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Collections Gallery or the recently relocated World Heritage Site Visitor Centre. However, please be aware that we are still limiting numbers in the galleries, so there may be a short wait during busy times
You can pre-book a timeslot to visit the recently re-opened Cosin’s Library
You can also book to visit during our late-night opening every Thursday, which allows you to visit the Museum of Archaeology and DLI Collection Gallery until the later time of 7pm. The Barker Research Library will continue to close at 5pm.

Book your late-night opening tickets

Book your tickets for Cosin's Library

Museum of Archaeology

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.

DLI Collections Gallery

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.

Cosin’s Library

Cosin’s Library is now open to the public after being closed for several years to carry out essential conservation work. Having now been completed, the library and its collections are now more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

One of the earliest public libraries in the Northeast of England, the library was founded in 1669 by Bishop John Cosin. Why not visit to discover the conservation work that has been done, speak to members of our team and experience this wonderful space for yourself. To find out more, visit the Cosin’s Library website.

World Heritage Sit e Visitor Centre

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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, what makes Durham significant and what there is to see and do on the peninsula.

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.

If you have made a booking, 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
We will be monitoring visitor numbers closely to allow plenty of space and avoid overcrowding
Be mindful of others - please allow space between you and other visitors during your visit
We request that you wear a face covering (unless you’re exempt) during your time with us
Handwashing facilities and hand sanitiser stations are located throughout our buildings – please use them regularly during your visit
Air quality control checks are being carried out throughout our buildings to make sure we have appropriate ventilation
Enhanced cleaning regimes are continuing across all our buildings
Glass screens have been installed at reception areas, but you’ll see and meet our welcoming staff on arrival