
Oriental Museum
Discover diverse Asian art and ancient Egyptian treasures, with interactive exhibits for all ages. A free, accessible gem.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Oriental Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse Asian art and ancient Egyptian treasures, with interactive exhibits for all ages. A free, accessible gem.
"An underrated gem with a phenomenal collection, especially its Ancient Egypt exhibits."

⏳ 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

Contemporary Japanese Art
Japan Gallery
Explore modern Japanese collections, including insights into anime production and fragile animation cels.

Korean Culture Showcase
Korea Gallery
Discover a blend of traditional Korean calligraphy and religion alongside modern K-pop and drama influences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Deeper Dive
Free Entry, Rich Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ 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:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive areas make it engaging for children of all ages. :child:
Detailed Signage
Appreciate the comprehensive and informative descriptions for every exhibit. :memo:
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. :clock1:
Free Admission!
Enjoy the extensive collections without an entry fee. :moneywithwings:
Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive areas make it engaging for children of all ages. :child:
Detailed Signage
Appreciate the comprehensive and informative descriptions for every exhibit. :memo:
Accessible Design
Fully accessible with lifts, making it easy to navigate for everyone. :wheelchair:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, it's situated on the University campus, making it relatively straightforward to locate. Follow signs for the University's main attractions.
It's a pleasant walk from the city center, taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your pace. The route is generally well-signposted.
The closest major transport hub is Durham Train Station, from which you can take a local bus or a taxi to the museum.
Limited parking is available on the University campus. It's advisable to check the University's parking regulations and availability in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Oriental Museum is free for all visitors, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.
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.
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.
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.
The museum often hosts special exhibitions and educational events, particularly for children and school groups. Check their website for current listings.
🎫 🧭 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.
Absolutely! The museum features dedicated interactive areas and hands-on activities designed to engage children and make learning fun.
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.
Yes, the museum is fully accessible with lifts to different floors and disabled WCs available.
The museum houses a diverse collection spanning ancient Egypt, China, Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia, including ceramics, calligraphy, and contemporary art.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a corner cafe within the museum where you can grab a refreshment.
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.
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.
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.
There are often green spaces and benches around the University campus where a picnic might be possible, weather permitting.
📸 📸 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.
Photography of the mummies is typically allowed for personal use, but without flash. Be respectful of the exhibits and other visitors.
Filming for commercial purposes or without prior permission may be restricted. For personal videos, follow the same guidelines as photography.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Students and Researchers
🏛️ Art and History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Collections
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. 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. This thoughtful curation ensures a rich and varied experience for every visitor, blending historical depth with modern relevance.
Family-Friendly Engagement
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.
Accessibility and Visitor Comfort
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. The staff are consistently described as super friendly and helpful, further enhancing the overall positive visitor experience. This commitment to comfort and service ensures that a visit to the Oriental Museum is not only educational but also thoroughly enjoyable.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit