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

A vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity and voices of community groups who regularly collaborate with the Oriental Museum.

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

Learn about a special golden chest on display, then create your own glittering, golden artwork.

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

Learn about the stories and characters of the famous Indian epic poem, the Ramayana and help make a giant storyboard of your own.

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

Join us for family activities inspired by our exhibition, Shakespeare Recovered. Drop in, all welcome, but suitable for aged 5-12 and their families.

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Family friendly
• Children and families

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 smells and spices of the Silk Road and make spice map and spice bag to take home.

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

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

• Family friendly

The Oriental Museum is full of sculptures. Find you favourite then make a colourful skewer sculpture to take home.

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

Learn about the Ancient Egyptian gods Sekmet and Bastet and make a colourful lion spinner.

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

Join us for family activities inspired by our exhibition, Shakespeare Recovered. Drop in, all welcome, but suitable for aged 5-12 and their families.

• Creative
• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Holiday activities
• Family friendly
• Children and families

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

Suitable for: Ages 3-7 and their families. Join Curious Arts to create wonderful paper wigs and ruffs inspired by the fashions of the Elizabethan era. Part of Shakespeare Recovered: Durham’s First Folio.

• Creative
• Family friendly
• Children and families

Take inspiration from the heavenly Korean jewellery on display made artist Seeun Kim and make your own brooch.

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

Join us for a free Twilight Talk focussing on our latest temporary exhibition, Telling Tales - Making Stories Come to Life.

• Exhibition
• Lates
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Alumni
• Everyone
• Friends of the Oriental Museum
• Young People

Uncover the mysteries of the Indus Valley civilisation, try decorating in geometric patterns and try our online Indus exhibition.

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