Palace Green Library Exhibitions : Your Visit

Palace Green Library is currently closed

We regret that due to heating issues in areas of Palace Green Library, we are unable to open to visitors. This includes study spaces in the Barker Research Library. We are working to rectify this situation as soon as possible.

Access to our Archives and Special Collections is still available through pre-booked appointments (Monday-Friday).

If you have any queries, please contact 0191 334 2932 or email pg.library@durham.ac.uk

The Oriental Museum is still open for visitors – see our website for further details: https://www.dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum/

For details of all our other study spaces, visit our Study Spaces guide: https://libguides.durham.ac.uk/studyspaces

From Tuesday 10 January, due to essential maintenance work being carried out, access to Palace Green Library will be through an alternative entrance to the left of the main doors. An accessible ramp will be available.

We will remain open between 10am-5pm and access to study spaces, pre-booked appointments and visitor access will continue as usual.

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

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. Open 11:00-15:00 Wednesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Occassionally the space may need to close for restoration or private visits so you can contact us in advance to ensure access is available at the time you are looking to visit 0191 334 2932.

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.