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.
Knitted together: the Korean lives and legacies of Richard and Joan Rutt
28 September 2024 - 04 May 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Feathers and the Feminine
04 October 2024 - 23 February 2025
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Friends of the Oriental Museum: International Projects Update
11 December 2024 - 11 December 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum: International projects update Gill Ramsay, Assistant Curator, Oriental Museum
- Talks, training, seminars & conferences
- Friends of the Oriental Museum
Cool Coral
14 December 2024 - 14 December 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Check out an intriguing sculpture called Coral Eye and make your own coral-inspired seascape.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Little Dragons
18 December 2024 - 18 December 2024
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Oriental Museum
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
Countdown to Christmas Craft Worksop
21 December 2024 - 21 December 2024
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world and decorate ceramic Christmas decorations to take home.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Flaming Flies
04 January 2025 - 04 January 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Find out why the bravest Ancient Egyptians were award a golden fly and make your own.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Selfie Art
11 January 2025 - 11 January 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Spot the Selfie Queen sculpture in our South Asian Gallery and make some funky selfie art.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Blue On White
11 January 2025 - 11 January 2025
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Winter Wonderland
18 January 2025 - 18 January 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
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
Islamic Art Workshop
25 January 2025 - 25 January 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Chat to members of Durham University Islamic Society and try making your own Islamic-inspired geometric artwork.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Weaving Workshop
01 February 2025 - 01 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Check out the intricate patterns on the baskets on display and weave your own woollen flower.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Crowd Craft: Lantern Festival
08 February 2025 - 08 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Get ready for the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival and make tissue paper lantern to decorate the museum.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
Lantern Festival
12 February 2025 - 12 February 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Our annual Lantern Festival at the Oriental Museum celebrates the beginning of the new lunar year.
- Family friendly
- Everyone
Cool Cats
15 February 2025 - 15 February 2025
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Oriental Museum
Explore our new exhibition about man who loved cats and make a super cute cat puppet.
- Family friendly
- Children and families
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
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
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.