Museum of Archaeology Durham University
Discover millennia of history at Durham University's free Museum of Archaeology, showcasing Roman Britain and ancient civilizations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Museum of Archaeology Durham University
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover millennia of history at Durham University's free Museum of Archaeology, showcasing Roman Britain and ancient civilizations.
"A great little museum - easily missed but well worth the visit, especially for its Roman finds."
🎯 Take Your Time to Reflect
Don't gallop through history! Let each artifact speak to you for a richer experience.
🤝 Meet Up Point for Families
Consider a meeting spot for families to ensure everyone stays together in the galleries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Piercebridge Assemblage
Main Gallery
Discover a remarkable collection of Roman artifacts from nearby Piercebridge, offering a glimpse into life in Roman Britain.
Babylonian Receipt
Special Displays
See a 3,000-year-old Babylonian receipt, complete with ancient fingerprints, a tangible link to early commerce.
First UK Roman Fleet Diploma
Roman Britain Section
Marvel at the UK's first complete Roman Fleet Diploma, a significant document showcasing Roman military history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Free Entry, Priceless History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take Your Time to Reflect
Don't gallop through history! Let each artifact speak to you for a richer experience.
🤝 Meet Up Point for Families
Consider a meeting spot for families to ensure everyone stays together in the galleries.
🗺️ Explore the World Heritage Site
Combine your visit with the World Heritage Site Center next door for a complete historical overview.
✨ Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible museum without any cost – a fantastic value for history lovers!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take Your Time to Reflect
Don't gallop through history! Let each artifact speak to you for a richer experience.
🤝 Meet Up Point for Families
Consider a meeting spot for families to ensure everyone stays together in the galleries.
🗺️ Explore the World Heritage Site
Combine your visit with the World Heritage Site Center next door for a complete historical overview.
✨ Free Admission Gem
Enjoy this incredible museum without any cost – a fantastic value for history lovers!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum of Archaeology for its free admission and significant collection, particularly the Roman artifacts and unique items like the Babylonian receipt. Its central location within Durham's World Heritage Site is a major plus, offering a valuable historical perspective. Some find it small, and occasional structured activities for children have received mixed feedback.
"I highly recommend looking at this museum and also going to the World heritage site center next door. There is an abundance of information here about the history of Durham as a historical side. If you are at all interested in Roman ruins, you will be more than pleased by this colourful and thoughtfully arranged museum. Roman history is as new as this museum goes. Anything middle ages and after is found in the cathedral itself and its own museum. The relics here date back to prehistory, tens of thousands of years ago, and there is information about the rocks here at Durham, the geological record, that dates back millions of years."
Joshua Fagan
"A great little museum - easily missed but well worth the visit. The Roman assemblage from nearby Piercebridge is a particularly special collection"
Antony Lee
"Staff force kids to do writing and it's not even school I was also randomly forced too and I was mad but without doing that work I would have given it a 4 or 5 star!"
MammyAlex L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within the Palace Green Library, a central part of Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center and nearby parking facilities.
While there's no dedicated parking at the museum itself, several public car parks are available within a short walking distance in Durham city center.
Yes, Durham is well-served by public transport. Buses and trains arrive regularly, and the museum is a pleasant walk from the main transport hubs.
Information on accessibility for wheelchairs can be found on the Durham University Museums website. Given its historic location, it's advisable to check in advance.
From Durham train station, it's about a 15-20 minute walk uphill to Palace Green. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Durham University Museums website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, admission to the Museum of Archaeology at Durham University is free, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
As admission is free, advance booking is generally not required. However, for special exhibitions or group visits, it's always a good idea to check the museum's website.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions. Keep an eye on their website or social media for announcements about upcoming events like 'Throwing it Out There: The Archaeology of Ritual, Rivers and Rubbish'.
For group visits, it's recommended to contact the museum in advance to arrange your visit and ensure they can accommodate your group.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases artifacts from prehistoric, classical, and medieval periods, including Roman finds from Piercebridge, Bronze Age tools, and a Babylonian receipt.
While the museum is relatively small, many visitors recommend taking your time to fully appreciate the exhibits, suggesting at least an hour or more.
The museum aims to be engaging for all ages. While some visitors have mentioned structured activities for kids, it's best to check for current offerings.
Absolutely! With its focus on local and regional archaeology, including significant Roman discoveries, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in the field.
The Babylonian receipt is a fascinating artifact dating back 3,000 years, notable for its ancient fingerprints preserved in the clay, offering a tangible connection to early trade.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or if flash photography is permitted.
The Roman artifacts, especially the Piercebridge assemblage, and unique items like the Babylonian receipt often make for compelling photographic subjects.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons might offer softer lighting and fewer people, allowing for clearer shots.
It's best to avoid flash photography to protect the artifacts and ensure a better experience for other visitors. Always look for signage indicating flash restrictions.
The unique historical artifacts, especially those with intriguing stories like the Babylonian receipt, are highly 'Instagrammable'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Roman collections, with their tangible artifacts, can also be a great way to introduce younger visitors to ancient history in an accessible format. 🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
🚶 Day-Trippers to Durham
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roman Legacy in Durham
These Roman collections are not just static displays; they are part of a broader narrative of human history in the area. The museum's connection to Durham University means that many of the artifacts are linked to ongoing archaeological research, providing a dynamic and current perspective on Roman Britain. The thoughtful curation ensures that even those new to Roman history can appreciate the significance of these finds.
Beyond the military and administrative aspects, the Roman exhibits also touch upon the social and economic life of the time. The sheer variety of objects, from everyday items to official documents, allows for a comprehensive understanding of the Roman impact on the landscape and its inhabitants. It's a crucial part of understanding Durham's deep historical roots.
Unearthing Ancient Commerce: The Babylonian Receipt
This artifact underscores the museum's commitment to showcasing diverse historical periods and cultures, extending beyond the immediate region. It highlights that even ancient civilizations engaged in complex transactions and relied on written records. The presence of fingerprints adds a deeply human element, reminding visitors that history is made by real people with individual lives and interactions.
Seeing such an ancient document, especially one with such personal traces, can be a profound experience. It challenges our modern perceptions of business and communication, demonstrating the long and continuous evolution of human society. The Babylonian receipt is a small object with immense historical weight, offering a unique glimpse into a distant past.
The Museum's Place in Durham's Heritage
Its collections span a vast timeline, from prehistoric tools to medieval cauldrons, offering a comprehensive overview of human activity in the region. The museum's connection to Durham University's active archaeological research department means that its exhibits are often informed by the latest discoveries and interpretations. This ensures that the information presented is both accurate and engaging, reflecting the cutting edge of archaeological understanding.
Being free to enter, the museum is an accessible and valuable addition to any itinerary for those interested in history, archaeology, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of one of the UK's most historically significant sites. It provides a focused yet thorough introduction to the deep past before visitors delve into the more recent medieval history found within the Cathedral and Castle.
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