Things to do in Durham, England: The Best Museums

Grassholme Observatory is a new observatory in the north of England with events held by lead astronomer Gary Fildes. Our purpose built observatory, based within the beautiful County Durham countryside at Grassholme Reservoir near Barnard Castle, offers you the opportunity to gaze into the vastness and beauty of the universe. Astronomy is a humbling experience, so let us guide you to understand the wonders of the planets, stars and galaxies.

Following Government advice, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden are temporarily closed. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements at all our sites. At the Oriental Museum this will include: - completing the new Silk Roads permanent gallery, which will provide an updated introduction to the museum and its collection. - installing the special exhibition, 'Lu Xun’s Legacy in Print Making in Modern China', celebrating the impact of Lu Xun (1881-1936) arguably the most important cultural figure of twentieth century China. Stay in touch on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. From Ancient Egypt to modern China, we are the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. The Oriental Museum is normally open Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 12pm - 5pm.

Local history museum featuring displays from the medieval period to the present day. Complete with sculpture garden, a gift shop, and a unique brass rubbing centre.

Following Government advice, Durham University’s museums, galleries and Botanic Garden are temporarily closed. We will be using the closed period to carry out improvements. At the Museum of Archaeology this will include: • Updating the Prehistory displays in the gallery • Introducing more Ancient Greek objects into our displays to support schools teaching The Museum of Archaeology's collections range from the prehistoric to the post-medieval. Our gallery showcasing the Museum's collections is open on the first floor of Palace Green Library. A permanent gallery uses objects from Museum of Archaeology, alongside objects from across Durham University and other regional museums to explore the last 10,000 years of Durham. Living on the Hills explores the lives of people who have lived and visited Durham through the tools and everyday objects they used, and the art and architecture they left behind to be rediscovered.

Aptly named ‘Outstanding Art’, the gallery will showcase the works of several world class artists and their original works. Opening the doors for the first month-long exhibition on 28th March 2019. Free to enter, these exhibits are to be curated each month with selected artists from across the globe. A wonderful opportunity to display their work and to establish a further collectors base in the north of England. Set to rival the stylish, contemporary galleries you might find on the streets of Chelsea; Outstanding Art will also feature a cocktail bar Serving up a bespoke menu for all to savour. It is a commercial space, as such, all works will be for sale.