What’s On Events Calendar
Building closure - upcoming dates
Due to extensive roofing works at Palace Green Library, there will be times when we have to close the building to visitors between summer 2024 and spring 2025, with no access to Museum of Archaeology, Cosin’s Library, Penned and Printed exhibition and World Heritage Site Visitor Centre.
Visit our Tickets and Times pages at each venue for more information.
Knock Knock ... Who's There?
22 February 2025 - 22 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Ever wondered about the huge door at the Oriental Museum? Make your own mysterious 3D doorway...
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Ancient Egyptian Sculpture Workshop
26 February 2025 - 26 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Artist Scavenger Hunt
26 February 2025 - 26 February 2025
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Oriental Museum, Art Collection
Explore the museum after hours in this alternative museum scavenger hunt with the Art Collection.
- Creative
- Everyone
Make a Monoprint
28 February 2025 - 28 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Be prepared to get messy and make your own monoprint artwork.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Crazy Creatures
01 March 2025 - 01 March 2025
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Botanic Garden
Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.
- Family friendly
Celebrate Hina Matsuri
01 March 2025 - 01 March 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Marie Curie - Day of Reflection Event
02 March 2025 - 02 March 2025
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Come along to the Botanic Garden to share the Day of Reflection with us.
- Family friendly
Fire and Bone
08 March 2025 - 08 March 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Find out about Chinese oracle bones and write a secret message using ancient symbols.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Holi Festival
15 March 2025 - 15 March 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Welcome the spring season to Durham with Holi Festival!
- Festival
- Everyone
The Ancient Persians
22 March 2025 - 22 March 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Learn about the Ancient Persians, spot a 2500 year old silver bowl and try simple foil embossing.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Make a Canopic Jar
29 March 2025 - 29 March 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Find out about Ancient Egyptian mummification and make your own canopic jar.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Meet the Art Collection: Local Artists
02 April 2025 - 02 April 2025
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
5 The College, Art Collection
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
Crazy Creatures
24 April 2025 - 24 April 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Botanic Garden
Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.
- Family friendly
Crazy Creatures
14 August 2025 - 14 August 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Botanic Garden
Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.
- Family friendly
Crazy Creatures
25 October 2025 - 25 October 2025
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Botanic Garden
Get interactive with the Crazy Creatures visiting the Garden for the day.
- Family friendly
What’s on across our venues
Our unique cultural attractions include Durham Castle, Botanic Garden, Historic Libraries at Palace Green, Oriental Museum, Museum of Archaeology and our World Heritage Site Visitor Centre. Whatever your interest, there's something for everyone to enjoy.