Oriental Museum

Part of the University of Durham, the museum was founded in 1960 to house an increasing collection of artefacts used by the School of Oriental Studies. The Oriental Museum is the only museum in the north of England dedicated solely to the art and archaeology of North Africa and Asia.

Journey through continents

The museum boasts a collection of over 23,500 artefacts, spanning millennia. The geographically organised galleries allow you to focus on specific areas or embark on a comprehensive journey across continents.

What to see

Explore ancient Egyptian mummies, exquisite Chinese porcelain crafted for the imperial court, or lose yourself in the intricate details of Edo period wood block prints, Japanese anime movie cells, and vintage kimonos. The museum also features artefacts from the Himalayas, Korea, Southeast Asia, and many more regions.

Events and exhibitions

Beyond its permanent collection, the Oriental Museum hosts a program of temporary exhibitions, talks, art workshops, and special evening events. Look out for seasonal festival celebrations too.

Learning for all ages

From sessions for the under 5s to creative workshops for lifelong learning groups, art groups for people living with dementia to an archeology club for 7-11 year olds, the Oriental Museum goes the extra mile when it comes to educating the local community.