What’s On Events Calendar

Visit the Student Art Prize 2023/24 exhibition and explore this years theme of Paradise.

• Creative
• Everyone

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

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

Explore the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia.

• Family friendly
• Children and families
• Everyone

Durham University Science 100 outdoor exhibition explores the history of science education and research at Durham, featuring remarkable artefacts and stories from our museum collections.

• Exhibition
• Everyone

Find out why the bravest Ancient Egyptians were award a golden fly and make your own.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

Rivers Within is a creative project by homegrown artist Ruth Flowers who has recently been exploring Durham folklore legend, The Lambton Worm and connections to the River Wear. This has been made possible by the support of Cultivate Commissions, a strand of Into the Light initiative delivered by organisations No More Nowt and Northern Heartlands.

• Exhibition
• Exhibitions
• Everyone

Spot the Selfie Queen sculpture in our South Asian Gallery and make some funky selfie art.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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

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

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for an up-close viewing of the Art Collection inspired by this years Student Art Prize theme of light.

• Creative
• Everyone

Take your gel printing skills to the next level in this exciting 2-hour workshop with our local Artist in Residency, Sarah Calavera!

• Creative
• Everyone

Over the past 2 years, work has been undertaken by Durham's curatorial staff to begin to reawaken the university's Bioscience Collection. In this talk, recent graduate intern Anna will explore the processes of reviving the Bioscience Collection through careful curation, conservation, and archival research.

• Lecture
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Chat to members of Durham University Islamic Society and try making your own Islamic-inspired geometric artwork.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s

Join us for an evening talk by South Korean artist Seeun Kim on traditional Korean jewellery.

• Exhibition
• Outreach & community
• Partnerships & Collaboration
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Everyone

Join the Saturday Archaeological Illustration Club to develop your skills in archaeological illustration. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, these sessions offer a chance to refine your technique, interact with real artefacts, and engage with the archaeology community in a relaxed, informal environment.

• Creative
• Outreach & community
• Public
• Talks, training, seminars & conferences
• Family friendly
• Everyone
• Lifelong Learners and Community groups
• Local and family historians
• Students in HE

Check out the intricate patterns on the baskets on display and weave your own woollen flower.

• Family friendly
• Children and families

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
• Family friendly
• Under 5s