Orential Museum
Oriental languages have been taught at Durham since the University was founded, with Biblical Hebrew being taught as part of Theology from as early at 1835, and Aramaic added later in the 19th century. In the 1920s, under the distinguished Islamic scholar, Alfred Guillaume, Durham University led the way in developing the teaching of modern Arabic language and literature in the UK.
This excellence was recognised after the Second World War when Durham was selected as one of five British universities to be developed as centres for the teaching of Oriental languages. A School of Oriental Studies was founded in 1951 and from this point teaching and research rapidly expanded to include languages as diverse as Ancient Egyptian, Turkish and Chinese.
The collections have continued to grow and the Oriental Museum now houses around 23,500 objects with collections covering Egypt, the Near and Middle East, China, Japan, India and the Himalayan region and stretching into South East Asia. The Ancient Egyptian and Chinese collections are of particular significance and hold 'Designated Status', recognising their importance on a national and international scale.
VISITORS INFORMATION:
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday - 10:00:00 to 17:00:00
Saturday and Sunday - 12pm to 5pm
Bank Holidays - 12pm to 5pm
| Admission prices |
| Adult |
£1.50 |
| Children (5-16) and Over 60's |
75p |
| Family ticket (2 adults and up to three children) |
£3.50 |
| Children under 5 |
Free |
FREE entry, on presentation of relevant ID:
Friends of the Oriental Museum
Students in Higher Education
Durham University Staff
Armed Forces
Museum Association Members
Art Fund Members
There is no charge for admission to the shop and cafe if you are not visiting the galleries.
Family Activities at the Oriental Museum:
Friday 6th August - India
Make your own Mendhi hand decorations
Wednesday 11th August - Islam
Design an Islamic prayer mat and learn about Ramadan
Friday 13th August - Japan
Learn about Japan and make a Japanese carrying pouch (Inro & Netsuke)
Wednesday 18th August - Ancient Egyptians
Make Egyptian canopic jars, complete with internal organs!
Friday 20th August - China
Design a Chinese robe and learn all about silk
Wednesday 25th August - Islam
Design an Islamic geometric tile pattern
Friday 27th August - Ancient Egyptians
Have a go at making your own Egyptian Mummy!
Wednesday 1st September - Tibet
Make a dancing Tibetan monk
Friday 3rd September - Japan
Have fun creating your own Manga character
Advice for parents and caregivers:
All activities are drop in (any time between 1 and 3 pm) unless otherwise stated.
All activities are included in the Museum admission price and are generally suitable for children aged 5 to 11.
Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.