What’s On Events Calendar

An exhibition of our Archives and Special Collections, telling hidden stories from the shelves and strongrooms. (Please note, access to this exhibition will be affected by the upcoming Palace Green Library closure dates.)

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Visit the Student Art Prize 2023/24 exhibition and explore this years theme of Paradise.

• Creative
• Everyone

Drawing on the objects and photographs of the main donors to the Korean collection at the Oriental Museum, Knitted Together details Richard and Joan Rutt’s 20 years living in South Korea in the immediate aftermath of the Korean War (1950 – 1953).

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Public
• Family friendly
• Everyone

The Feathers and the Feminine installation was created by members of Interface Arts in memory of their friend Carolyn Corfield, who passed away last year. A creative and dynamic member of the Durham based group, Carolyn primarily produced sculptural ceramics, some of which are on display as part of the installation.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Spot the magnificent Chinese lion on display and make your own roar-some lion puppet.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Explore the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join the Durham University Staff Chamber Choir at the Botanic Garden for their 'Music for Christmas' performance.

• Family friendly

Oriental Museum: International projects update Gill Ramsay, Assistant Curator, Oriental Museum

• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Friends of the Oriental Museum

Check out an intriguing sculpture called Coral Eye and make your own coral-inspired seascape.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join us for a unique visit to Durham Castle for the whole family to celebrate the festive season.

• Holiday activities
• Public
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Join us at the Oriental Museum on Wednesday mornings for Little Dragons, our FREE session for children under 5 and their families/carers. Each session will be packed full of exploring the museum galleries, fun craft activities, singing, games and stories.

• Creative
• Public
• Under 5s

Find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world and decorate ceramic Christmas decorations to take home.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Find out why the bravest Ancient Egyptians were award a golden fly and make your own.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Spot the Selfie Queen sculpture in our South Asian Gallery and make some funky selfie art.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Inspired by the beautiful blue and white Chinese ceramics at the Oriental Museum, spend an afternoon creating your own blue and white artworks using inks on paper and ceramic.

• Creative
• Public
• Workshop
• Everyone
• Friends of the Oriental Museum
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups

Did you know that plum blossom is a symbol of winter in Chinese culture? Find out about this special flower and make a snowy plum blossom wreath.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join us for an up-close viewing of the Art Collection inspired by this years Student Art Prize theme of light.

• Creative
• Everyone

Take your gel printing skills to the next level in this exciting 2-hour workshop with our local Artist in Residency, Sarah Calavera!

• Creative
• Everyone

Chat to members of Durham University Islamic Society and try making your own Islamic-inspired geometric artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Check out the intricate patterns on the baskets on display and weave your own woollen flower.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join Student Art Prize Artist in Residency, Sarah Calavera for a talk about her practice and residency.

• Creative
• Everyone

Get ready for the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival and make tissue paper lantern to decorate the museum.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Our annual Lantern Festival at the Oriental Museum celebrates the beginning of the new lunar year.

• Family friendly
• Everyone

Explore our new exhibition about man who loved cats and make a super cute cat puppet.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Ever wondered about the huge door at the Oriental Museum? Make your own mysterious 3D doorway...

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Try out our new audio guide and find out about an ancient Egyptian man called Paser. Then create your own Paser clay statue.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Explore the museum after hours in this alternative museum scavenger hunt with the Art Collection.

• Creative
• Everyone

Be prepared to get messy and make your own monoprint artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly

See a traditional set of Japanese Hina Matsuri dolls - only displayed for a short time each year in the run up the Hina Matsuri - and create your own Emperor or Empress doll to take home.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Come along to the Botanic Garden to share the Day of Reflection with us.

• Family friendly

Find out about Chinese oracle bones and write a secret message using ancient symbols.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Welcome the spring season to Durham with Holi Festival!

• Festival
• Everyone

Learn about the Ancient Persians, spot a 2500 year old silver bowl and try simple foil embossing.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Find out about Ancient Egyptian mummification and make your own canopic jar.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Join us for a special viewing of the Art Collection. See a selection of works by contemporary artists working in the North East.

• Creative
• Everyone

This year, our iconic book takes centre stage at Palace Green Library.

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Everyone

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly

The Durham MG & Classic Car Club was formed in 2001 for local car enthusiasts interested in MG cars, both classic and modern. This informal gathering will showcase cars representing models produced from the late 1940s through to the early 2000s.

• Family friendly

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly

Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.

• Family friendly