Oriental Museum, Durham - Image 1
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Oriental Museum

4.7
·776 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover diverse Asian art and ancient Egyptian treasures, with interactive exhibits for all ages. A free, accessible gem.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Oriental Museum, Durham - Image 1

Oriental Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse Asian art and ancient Egyptian treasures, with interactive exhibits for all ages. A free, accessible gem.

4.7
(776 reviews)

"An underrated gem with a phenomenal collection, especially its Ancient Egypt exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend over half a day here, especially with interactive exhibits. :clock1:

Free Admission!

Enjoy the extensive collections without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Egypt Collection

Ancient Egypt Collection

Egypt Gallery

Marvel at one of the best Ancient Egypt collections outside London, featuring two mummies and intricate stone and ivory art.

Reddit
Interactive Children's Areas

Interactive Children's Areas

Various Galleries

Engage young minds with themed hands-on activities and interactive displays designed to make exhibits fun and educational for all ages.

Reddit
Contemporary Japanese Art

Contemporary Japanese Art

Japan Gallery

Explore modern Japanese collections, including insights into anime production and fragile animation cels.

TikTok
Korean Culture Showcase

Korean Culture Showcase

Korea Gallery

Discover a blend of traditional Korean calligraphy and religion alongside modern K-pop and drama influences.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive

While the Oriental Museum might seem small, you can easily spend half a day exploring its diverse collections. Don't rush; take your time to appreciate the detailed signage and interactive exhibits, especially if you're traveling with kids. Reddit

Free Entry, Rich Experience

The Oriental Museum offers free admission, making it an accessible and valuable experience for all visitors. This allows for extended exploration without budget concerns, encouraging a more thorough engagement with the exhibits. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Interactive sessions for kids
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

l’ve been doing a lot of research lately into Pokemon and its place in museums ✨ As part of this I was lucky enough to visit Durham Oriental Museum and learn more about its growing contemporary Japanese collections 🇯🇵 Production of the Pokemon anime went digital after 2001 and the cels are fragile, so less and less of them survive to this day 💫 Thank you Durham University Oriental Museum for the o...
@golden_gibbon
855 likes • 16K views

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend over half a day here, especially with interactive exhibits. Reddit :clock1:

Free Admission!

Enjoy the extensive collections without an entry fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Have you ever wondered how a museum curator spends a day at work? Meet Qin, our Curator of Chinese collections at the Oriental Museum, whose day is certainly dynamic. Curators wear many hats—tour guide, researcher, facilitator, cataloguer, and storyteller. They connect the public with the past every day. Next time you visit, you might catch a glimpse of a curator in action. ------ * #MuseumLife #...
durhamunicollections
61 likes • 1.9K views
Thanks to the Oriental Museum in Durham, we have been gathering lots of important research for our latest project ✨👋 #thenorthernschoolofart #illustration #animation #studentlife
thenorthern_illu_animation
64 likes • 1.6K views

Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive areas make it engaging for children of all ages. Reddit :child:

Detailed Signage

Appreciate the comprehensive and informative descriptions for every exhibit. Reddit :memo:

A fun and unique activity that you can do in Penang! We visited Straits & Oriental Museum where we got to see rare and treasured pieces salvaged from shipwrecks. 📍20, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang #museum #penang #georgetown #ceramics #penangactivities
themalaymail
477 likes • 19.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You can easily spend over half a day here, especially with interactive exhibits. Reddit :clock1:

Free Admission!

Enjoy the extensive collections without an entry fee. Reddit :moneywithwings:

Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive areas make it engaging for children of all ages. Reddit :child:

Detailed Signage

Appreciate the comprehensive and informative descriptions for every exhibit. Reddit :memo:

Accessible Design

Fully accessible with lifts, making it easy to navigate for everyone. Reddit :wheelchair:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(776 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Oriental Museum as an 'underrated gem' with a 'phenomenal' collection, especially its Ancient Egypt exhibits. The museum is lauded for its engaging, interactive elements for children and its comprehensive, detailed signage. While some note it's smaller than larger institutions, its accessibility, free entry, and friendly staff make it a highly recommended and enjoyable experience for all ages.

"Underrated gem of Durham, the collection itself is phenomenal, with one of the best Ancient Egypt collections I’ve seen outside of London that deserves special mention.

A large part of the museum is aimed at children, with lots of hands-on activities designed to make the exhibits relevant and appealing to kids.

Compared to similar museums I’ve been to, I was impressed by how comprehensive the accompanying signage was, there was nothing on display here without considerable detail, which is something I appreciate in a museum.

Each of the collections was a mixture of more and less traditional items, for instance the Korea gallery included items relating to Korean calligraphy and traditional religion as well as K-pop and modern Korean dramas, again a great way of making the museum accessible to younger audiences."

Daniel Hernandez

"I had a day trip in Durham and I chose to visit this place first - if I have another chance, I would do it again and spend longer time here. It is such a lovely, educational place. The museum seems small but if you slow down, you can easily spend more than half day here. They also have interactive activities or kids and special educational sessions for schoolers. The staff there are very kind and nice. Impressive!!"

Sheryl Yu

"A relatively small museum (though the University's collection is enormous) but the items on display are incredible. The staff is friendly and helpful and I find that I can spend hours here."

Victor Juszkiewicz

What People Like

Exceptional Egypt collection
Engaging for children
Detailed signage

What People Dislike

Can feel small

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oriental Museum is located within the University of Durham. It's accessible by public transport, with local buses serving the university area. If driving, there is parking available nearby, though it can be limited during peak times. Reddit

Yes, it's situated on the University campus, making it relatively straightforward to locate. Follow signs for the University's main attractions. Reddit

It's a pleasant walk from the city center, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your pace. The route is generally well-signposted. Reddit

The closest major transport hub is Durham Train Station, from which you can take a local bus or a taxi to the museum. Reddit

Limited parking is available on the University campus. It's advisable to check the University's parking regulations and availability in advance. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Oriental Museum is free for all visitors, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option. Reddit

The museum typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official Oriental Museum website for the most up-to-date opening hours, as these can vary seasonally. Reddit

No, advance booking is generally not required as admission is free. However, for special events or group visits, it's always a good idea to contact the museum directly. Reddit

Yes, the museum is typically open on weekends, but it's always recommended to verify the specific opening days and hours on their official website. Reddit

The museum often hosts special exhibitions and educational events, particularly for children and school groups. Check their website for current listings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive Ancient Egypt collection, including mummies and ancient artifacts. The contemporary Japanese art and Korean culture exhibits are also highly recommended. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The museum features dedicated interactive areas and hands-on activities designed to engage children and make learning fun. Reddit

While it may appear small, you can easily spend over half a day exploring the exhibits thoroughly, especially if you engage with the interactive elements. Reddit

Yes, the museum is fully accessible with lifts to different floors and disabled WCs available. Reddit

The museum houses a diverse collection spanning ancient Egypt, China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia, including ceramics, calligraphy, and contemporary art. TikTokReddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a corner cafe within the museum where you can grab a refreshment. Reddit

While specific policies may vary, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibition spaces. Check with the museum staff for clarification. Reddit

Being located on the University campus, there are several cafes and eateries within the university itself, and more dining options are available in Durham city center, a short walk away. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is not widely available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cafe staff upon your visit. Reddit

There are often green spaces and benches around the University campus where a picnic might be possible, weather permitting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artifacts. Always check for specific signage in each gallery. TikTok

Photography of the mummies is typically allowed for personal use, but without flash. Be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors. Reddit

Filming for commercial purposes or without prior permission may be restricted. For personal videos, follow the same guidelines as photography. TikTok

The Ancient Egypt gallery, with its mummies and artifacts, offers striking photographic opportunities. The visually rich displays in the Korean and Japanese galleries are also popular. TikTokReddit

Tripods and selfie sticks are often not allowed in museums to prevent accidental damage to exhibits and to ensure smooth visitor flow. It's best to confirm this with the museum staff. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Oriental Museum is a fantastic choice for families. Its interactive children's areas and hands-on activities are a major draw, ensuring kids stay engaged and entertained. Reddit The museum's design is fully accessible, making it easy to navigate with strollers. Don't miss the Ancient Egypt gallery with its mummies, which is always a hit with younger audiences. Reddit The free admission also makes it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family.

📚 Students and Researchers

With its extensive collections, including contemporary Japanese art and detailed historical artifacts, the Oriental Museum offers valuable resources for students and researchers. TikTokReddit The comprehensive signage provides in-depth information, and the Korea gallery offers insights into modern cultural phenomena like K-pop, which can be a unique area of study. Reddit The museum's location within the University of Durham also makes it a convenient research hub.

🏛️ Art and History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and history, the Oriental Museum is a treasure trove. The Ancient Egypt collection is particularly noteworthy, offering a deep dive into a fascinating civilization. Reddit The diverse range of artifacts, from ancient pottery to contemporary art, provides a rich tapestry of cultural exploration. The detailed accompanying signage ensures a thorough understanding and appreciation of each exhibit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Diverse Collections

The Oriental Museum boasts a fascinating array of collections that span continents and millennia. While its name suggests a focus solely on the East, the museum is renowned for its Ancient Egypt collection, which rivals those found in major London institutions. Visitors can marvel at two mummies, intricate stone and ivory art, and detailed hieroglyphics, offering a tangible connection to a civilization thousands of years old. Reddit

Beyond Egypt, the museum thoughtfully curates exhibits on East Asian cultures, including China, Japan, and Korea. The Japanese collection even delves into contemporary aspects, such as the production of anime, showcasing the evolution of cultural expression. TikTok The Korean gallery presents a dynamic mix of traditional elements like calligraphy and religion alongside modern influences like K-pop and dramas, making it relatable to a broad audience. Reddit This thoughtful curation ensures a rich and varied experience for every visitor, blending historical depth with modern relevance.

Family-Friendly Engagement

The Oriental Museum excels in making its exhibits accessible and engaging for younger visitors. A significant portion of the museum is dedicated to children's activities, featuring hands-on experiences and interactive displays tailored to the themes of each gallery. Reddit These elements transform a traditional museum visit into an adventure, allowing kids to learn through play and discovery. For instance, the interactive zones often correspond directly to the artifacts on display, helping children understand their context and significance in a fun, memorable way. Reddit

This focus on interactivity not only entertains but also educates, fostering a deeper appreciation for art, history, and culture from an early age. Parents often praise the museum for its ability to keep children captivated, making it an ideal destination for family day trips. The comprehensive signage also aids parents in explaining exhibits to their children, ensuring a richer learning experience for everyone. Reddit

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

The Oriental Museum is designed with visitor comfort and accessibility as a priority. The entire museum is fully accessible, with lifts providing easy access to all floors, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can explore every exhibition without hindrance. Reddit This thoughtful design makes it a welcoming space for all visitors, including families with strollers and those with mobility aids. Reddit

In addition to physical accessibility, the museum offers practical amenities such as disabled restrooms and a gift store. There's also a corner cafe for refreshments, allowing visitors to take a break and recharge during their visit. Reddit The staff are consistently described as super friendly and helpful, further enhancing the overall positive visitor experience. Reddit This commitment to comfort and service ensures that a visit to the Oriental Museum is not only educational but also thoroughly enjoyable.

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