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About Us

Our museums, collections and venues welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. We're important sites for research and teaching. Our aim is to be a front door to Durham University, sharing the wealth of knowledge and research generated by students and academics from all over the world.
Close up photograph of part of the Norman Arch, which was the entrances to the North Hall
The Prince Bishops' Garden at the Botanic Garden

Botanic Garden

Our 10-hectare Botanic Garden is set amongst mature woodlands on the southern outskirts of the city. As well as being open to the public, it provides an academic resource to the university for teaching and research and offers educational visits to schools. The Garden is managed by the Estates and Facilities Directorate.

Learn more about our Botanic Garden

Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions

Our museums and galleries are home to more than 100,000 objects from over 60 countries worldwide, and span history: 

  • Durham Castle was built in the 11th century on the orders of William the Conqueror. Today it is home to the students of University College.  
  • Museum of Archaeology focuses on the archaeology of the North East of England from prehistory to the modern day.  
  • Oriental Museum is devoted to the art and archaeology of North Africa and Asia including nationally and internationally important collections from Ancient Egypt and China.
  • University Art Collection includes work by some of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, specialising in print media. 
  • Biosciences Collection is managed on behalf of the Department of Biological Sciences and includes the important Whitehead collection of material relating to the family cervidae (deer).   

All of these collections are managed as part of Durham University’s Library and Collections.  

Find out more: 

A group of people looking at a framed artwork on a table

Our staff

Learn more about our team.

Staff profiles
Oriental Museum staff member talking to visitors

How to get in touch

You can get in touch by post, phone or email or use our Live Chat.

Contact us

Venue hire and events

Imagine holding a meeting or event on a World Heritage Site or among ancient Egyptian artefacts.

We offer unique venues in Durham with a selection of different facilities for meetings of up to 80 people or venue hire for events of up to 200 attendees.

Oriental Museum galleries