What’s On Events Calendar

An exhibition of the entrants to our international bookbinding competition.

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Everyone

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

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Everyone

Experience the joy and wonder of storytelling through the Oriental Museum’s new summer exhibition, Telling Tales Making Stories Come to Life.

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

Contemporary artist Dinah Kelly shines a light on the protective powers and symbolism of charms, talismans and amulets.

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

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore is a free exhibition which explores the development of storytelling throughout Historic County Durham.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Public
• Children and families
• Everyone

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore is a free exhibition which explores the development of storytelling throughout Historic County Durham.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Everyone

Jointly organised by the Palace Museum and the Oriental Museum

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Public
• Family friendly
• Global
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for a creative workshop with artist Dinah Kelly. Create your own unique amulet full of personal meaning.

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

Join us for a creative workshop with artist Dinah Kelly. Create your own unique amulet full of personal meaning.

• Creative
• Public
• Workshop
• Students in HE

Find out about the ancient Egyptian obelisk on display and create your own 3D model to take home.

• Accessible
• Creative
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Discover the ancient Chinese game of Go - learn to play from members of the Durham Go Club, and get a free Go board. Watch some games from the 2025 European Student Go Championship, taking place next door. All ages welcome.

• Accessible
• Creative
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Check our of full suit of fearsome Japanese samurai armour and make your own personal samurai-style paper helmet.

• Accessible
• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Celebrate the Indian festival of lights with this special late night opening.

• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Festival
• Lates
• Outreach & community
• Performance
• Public
• Student experience
• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone
• Friends of the Oriental Museum
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Students in HE
• Teachers / Home Educators
• Young People

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

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

• Family friendly

See the magnificent horses on display in the China Gallery and make a hobby horse.

• Accessible
• Creative
• 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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s