Oriental Museum

Oriental Museum

History

• Since its founding in 1832, Durham University has been teaching oriental languages.
• After the Second World War, Durham was selected as one of five British universities to be developed as centres for the teaching of Oriental Languages.
• The museum has been open to the public since the 1960’s.
• Eventually, The museum’s name was shortened to Oriental Museum in the 1980’s as part of plans for a major rebuilding and refurbishment programme.
• However, the planned extension was never built, so the university created an additional mezzanine floor within the existing building.
• The museum still has an active involvement in teaching and research.
• They work with departments ranging from archaeology and classics to modern languages.
• To find out more about the Oriental Museum’s history, you can visit their website.

Activities

• Discover the range of past exhibitions and art installations.
• There is a section of permanent galleries where you can explore the different regions of North Africa and Asia.
• Discover a range of Japanese art and culture.
• And more.

Accessibility

• There are two accessible parking bays adjacent to the museum entrance.
• An accessible toilet is available.
• Assistance dogs are welcome.
• A water bowl is provided in the picnic area in front of the museum.
• A wheelchair is available to loan.
• Rest stools are available throughout the gallery.
• There are large print maps of the museum, and large print guides for the permanent galleries and special exhibitions.
• There is a portable hearing loop at the museum reception desk.
• You can find out more by visiting their access page.

Transport

• The Oriental Museum is located just outside Durham City Centre.
• The Museum is easy to reach by public transport or a walk from Durham City.
• On weekends, you can use the Elvet Hill Car park, which is a university staff car park located close to the museum.

Additional Information

• You can find out more about opening times and tickets on the Oriental Museum’s website.
• You can become a friend of the oriental museum, which gives you free admission, advance notice of events and exhibitions, invitations to previews of new exhibitions, and a discount on purchases from the museum shop.
• You can discover more places to go in Durham by visiting the Eric Knows website.