APRIL TO SEPTEMBER 2014
CLUBS NEW – Little Bookworms Palace Green Library Under 5s, their parents and carers are welcome to come along to Little Bookworms for messy play, fantastic stories, crafts and much more. The club meets every Monday, between 10.30am – 11.30am, at Palace Green Library. Charges apply. No booking is necessary, just drop in.
Little Dragons
WATCH
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Little Dragons Club is the Oriental Museum’s group for under 5s, their parents and carers. Come along every Wednesday between 10am – 11am for fun crafts, messy play, object handling, stories and role playing.
WATCH is a wildlife and environmental club for youngsters and their families. Activities are aimed at children from 5 years and upwards. The group meets on the 2nd Saturday of each month (excluding August) from 10am – 12noon.
Charges apply. No booking is necessary, just drop in.
Durham Archaeology Explorers
Charges apply. Spaces are limited, so booking is required. Please call +44 (0)191 334 5522 to reserve a place.
Oriental Museum Children aged 7 – 11 years are invited to join Durham University Museums’ Archaeology Club. The group meets on the first Saturday of the month from 2pm – 4pm at the Oriental Museum. Through exciting hands-on experiments and activities, the club investigates all aspects of archaeology and explores Durham’s own archaeological secrets. Charges apply. Spaces are limited, so booking is required. Please call +44 (0)191 334 5694 to reserve a place.
PLEASE NOTE • Events are drop-in and there is no need to pre-book activities, unless otherwise stated
• Activities are generally suitable for children aged 5 – 11 years
• Children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult
• Participation in all activities is included in the usual admission price, unless otherwise stated
APRIL Sat 5 April
LOVELY LEATHER
1pm - 3pm
People have been working leather for thousands of years. Explore how leather is produced and make a pair of simple shoes to wear with pride.
Sat 5 April
EGGS-TRAVAGANZA
2pm - 4pm
Decorate one of our special eggs to take home and entice the Easter bunny to stop!
Sat 5 April Sun 6 April
JUNK-BOTS
1pm - 3pm
A recycling challenge! Use junk material to create your very own junk-bot.
Wed 9 April
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
1pm - 3pm
FANTASTIC FLOWERS Celebrate the Japanese cherry blossom season by making your own cherry blossom tree.
Thurs 10 April
INGRID SYLVESTRE’S FAMILY STORYTELLING DAY
11am - 4.30pm
Popular North East artist-author Ingrid Sylvestre will be telling her fabulously illustrated stories featuring the intergalactically famous giraffe family, the Neckmanns. Stories will start on the hour every hour, with related activities and songs in between.
Botanic Garden
Thurs 10 April Mon 14 April 11am - 4pm
HANDS ON STONEMASONRY Learn how Durham Cathedral and Castle were actually built through stonemasonry demonstrations with sculptor Neil Molloy, and try your hand at the craft.
Durham Castle
Activities take place on Palace Green and are free of charge.
Fri 11 April
TREMENDOUS TILES
1pm - 3pm
Paint your own Middle Eastern-inspired tile.
Sat 12 April
LET’S GET ARTY
1pm - 3pm
Explore the Oriental Museum’s new exhibition ‘Traces and Revelations’ and create your own artwork using lots of fun materials.
Sat 12 April Sun 13 April
ROBOT PUPPETS
1pm - 3pm
Sat 12 April Sun 13 April 10.30am - 4pm
With a choice of characters and designs, what puppet will you be taking home tonight?
DURHAM AND THE EAST Family activities to celebrate International World Heritage Day. Immerse yourselves in arts and crafts activities from the East, make lantern slides, Chinese lions and learn about spices, silks and swords. In addition, enjoy talks and demonstrations about the historic links between Durham and the East, and tour Durham’s beautiful World Heritage Site. All activities are free of charge. For more information please visit www.durhamwhs.com or call +44 (0)191 334 3805.
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Durham World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
Wed 16 April 1pm - 3pm
Oriental Museum
CHINESE CRAFTS Have a go at printing Chinese symbols, and try your hand at Chinese paper cut.
Fri 18 April Sat 19 April
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am – 4pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
Sat 19 April
MARVELLOUS MESOPOTAMIA
1pm - 3pm
Explore the civilisation of Mesopotamia and craft an ancient archaeological find.
Sun 20 April Mon 21 April
11TH ANNUAL EASTER CHICK HUNT
10am - 4pm
A family fun event around the Botanic Garden organised by our ‘Friends of the Garden’. Easter Chicks are believed to be hiding in the Garden. Come along and see how many you can spot on Easter Sunday and Monday, anytime between 10am and 4pm.
Botanic Garden
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the kiosk entrance and park at the park and ride.
Sat 26 April
Oriental Museum
1pm - 3pm
MAGNIFICENT MUMMIES Find out about ancient Egyptian mummies, make your own and start the process of mummifying a banana to finish at home.
Sat 26 April Sun 27 April 1pm - 3pm
STAR-BOTS The exhibition is full of amazing characters but which will be your favourite? We take some of the most popular and give you the chance to make your own mini-version to take home.
Palace Green Library
MAY
Oriental Museum
Sat 3 May
SCARY SNAKES
1pm - 3pm
Take inspiration from two fascinating objects in the Japanese Gallery and create a moving snake or crab.
Sat 3 May Mon 5 May
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am - 4pm
Sat 3 May Sun 4 May 1pm - 3pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
MEDIEVAL PRINTING By making your own printable images, print onto paper to recreate your own medieval printed book inspired by our exhibition.
Sat 10 May
CRAZY COOKIES
1pm - 3pm
Make your own edible fortune cookies and write special fortunes for your friends and family.
Sat 10 May
MAY DAY MADNESS
2pm - 4pm
Make a flower garland to celebrate May Day.
Sat 10 May Sun 11 May
ENGRAVED BOOK COVERS
1pm - 3pm
Sun 11 May 10am - 4pm
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Be inspired by beautiful Anglo-Saxon front covers and make your own engraved book cover to take home and treasure forever.
Palace Green Library
FRIENDS OF THE GARDEN PLANT SALE
Botanic Garden
A wide selection of plants and seeds will be available for purchase. There will also be Cacti and succulents for sale from the Teesside branch of the British Cactus and Succulent Society. Sat 17 May
SUPER SOAP CARVING
1pm - 3pm
Explore the Oriental Museum’s collections and carve your own masterpiece from soap.
Oriental Museum
Sat 17 May
MUSEUMS AT NIGHT
6pm - 8pm
Experience the buildings of the World Heritage Site brought to life by its stories, and meet some of its most interesting characters from the past.
Sat 17 May Sun 18 May
GREEN WOODWORKING EVENT
10am - 4pm
Sat 17 May Sun 18 May
Local green woodworker, Chris Helliwell, will be in the Garden. He will be demonstrating, and giving people a chance to try, a pole lathe and shave a horse.
JAPANESE JARS
1pm - 3pm
Create a design for your own Japanese CloisonnĂŠ style vase using recycled glass jars.
Sat 24 May
SUPER SOCKS
1pm - 3pm
Check out our fun Korean socks and create your own pair of K-pop inspired socks featuring your favourite cartoon or gaming character.
Sat 24 May Mon 26 May
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am - 4pm
Sat 24 May Sun 25 May 1pm - 3pm
Sat 24 May Wed 28 May 11am - 4pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
SAMURAI WARRIOR WAYS Learn about Japanese Samurai warriors and make a helmet using the art of origami.
HANDS ON STONEMASONRY Learn how Durham Cathedral and Castle were actually built through stonemasonry demonstrations with sculptor Neil Molloy, and try your hand at the craft.
Palace Green
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Durham Castle
Activities take place on Palace Green and are free of charge.
Wed 28 May
MARVELLOUS MUSIC
1pm - 3pm
To tie-in with the Oriental Museum hosting the East Asian Music Festival, visit us to make your own Asian musical instrument.
Oriental Museum
Fri 30 May
CHILDREN’S DAY
1pm - 3pm
Learn about Children’s Day in Japan, and make a carp kite or a Samurai helmet.
Sat 31 May
MOSAIC MANIA
1pm - 3pm
Find out about mosaics in the ancient world and create your own unique design from glass tiles to take home.
Sat 31 May Sun 1 June
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
1pm - 3pm
FIGHTING KITES Kites were used for signalling by Japanese warriors. Come along and design your own!
JUNE Sat 7 June
SHADOW PUPPET PERFECTION
1pm - 3pm
Explore the wonderful world of Chinese shadow puppets, create your own shadow puppet and tell some stories in our theatre.
Sat 7 June Sun 8 June
FABULOUS FANS
1pm - 3pm
Fans were very fashionable in Japan. Make your own to keep you cool this summer.
Sat 14 June
POTATO PATTERNS
1pm - 3pm
Beautiful patterns are everywhere in the Oriental Museum. Find out how they were made, what they mean, and try your hand at potato printing your own pattern.
Sat 14 June
FANTASTIC FATHERS
2pm - 4pm
Create a special gift for Father’s Day inspired by the Garden.
Sat 14 June Sun 15 June Sun 2 Feb
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am - 4pm 11am - 3pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Botanic Garden
Sat 14 June Sun 15 June
IKEBANA FOR BEGINNERS
1pm - 3pm
Make your own flowers and stems to create your own ikebana arrangement.
Sat 21 June
POWERFUL PYRAMIDS
1pm - 3pm
The ancient Egyptians were experts at building pyramids. Test your engineering skills by building a pyramid from sugar lumps.
Sat 21 June Sun 22 June
BEAUTIFUL SCREENS
1pm - 3pm
The Japanese use screens as walls. Have a go at creating your own. Where will you use it?
Sat 28 June
THE SPICE OF LIFE
1pm - 3pm
Go on a fantastic journey of smell and taste along the Silk Road by exploring the spices from China and India. Then create your own ancient map of this famous trade route.
Sat 28 June Sun 29 June
FLYING FISH
1pm - 3pm
Carp fish are symbols of perseverance and strength. Come along to make your own carp banner.
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
JULY Sat 5 July
FABULOUS FOSSILS
1pm - 3pm
Explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and make a fossil to take home.
Sat 5 July Sun 6 July 10am - 4pm
ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY Come along to this fun packed weekend and enjoy a selection of family activities.
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Sat 5 July Sun 6 July
KIMONO CRAFT
1pm - 3pm
Japanese kimonos are worn by men and women. Design your own and make a mini-paper doll.
Sat 12 July
VASE PAINTING
1pm - 3pm
The Oriental Museum has one of the best collections of Chinese ceramics in the UK. Explore our displays and paint your own ceramic vase to take home.
Sat 12 July Sun 13 July
MARVELLOUS MANGA
1pm - 3pm
Japan is famous for its cartoons and animated art. This is your chance to create your own cartoon character.
Sat 19 July
FESTIVAL OF BRITISH ARCHAEOLOGY
1pm - 4pm
Join us for this special event where children can learn and use a range of practical skills including excavating, archaeological drawing, cleaning and sorting finds. Be prepared to get muddy!
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Please wear old clothes and stout footwear. Activities are free of charge. Spaces are limited, so booking is required. Please call +44 (0)191 334 5691 to book.
Sat 19 July Sun 20 July
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am - 4pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
Sun 20 July
MG CAR DISPLAY
10am - 4pm
Durham MG Owners’ Club showcase their cars at the Garden.
Botanic Garden
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the park and ride.
Sat 19 July Sun 20 July 1pm - 3pm
TANABATA TREE Celebrate the Japanese star festival by making decorations to hang on a tree.
Palace Green Library
Wed 23 July
DRESS LIKE A PHARAOH
1pm - 3pm
Make your own headdress and collar.
Thurs 24 July
JAY’S ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
10am - 4pm
The zoo comes to the Botanic Garden. From cute and cuddly to smooth and scaly, meet the incredible range of friendly animals visiting the Garden for the day.
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride.
Fri 25 July
WONDERFUL WEDDINGS
1pm - 3pm
Find out how weddings are celebrated across Asia, and decorate your own pair of Korean wedding ducks.
Fri 25 July Mon 28 July
HANDS ON STONEMASONRY
11am - 4pm
Learn how Durham Cathedral and Castle were actually built through stonemasonry demonstrations with sculptor Neil Molloy, and try your hand at the craft.
Oriental Museum
Durham Castle
Activities take place on Palace Green and are free of charge.
Sat 26 July
DELIGHTFUL DARUMA DOLLS
1pm - 3pm
Learn all about Japanese good-luck Daruma dolls, then design and paint your own.
Oriental Museum
Sat 26 July
ADAM BUSHNELL’S FAMILY STORYTELLING DAY
11am - 4pm
Adam is an established children’s author and storyteller, having published ten books on a range of fantastical subjects. He is passionate about inspiring children to write creatively, and will be sharing some of his stories in the Botanic Garden at this fascinating family storytelling event.
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride. Sat 26 July Sun 27 July 1pm - 3pm
CROWNING GLORY Celebrate the opening of our new gallery by decorating a crown.
Wed 30 July
CELEBRATE EID
1pm - 3pm
Learn about how Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan, and make a stained glass decoration.
Thurs 31 July
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
10am - 4pm
Popular children’s event with special activities. Enter your bear into the most loved teddy competition, enjoy a bear story and create some bear-y good artwork on this special day.
Palace Green Library Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride.
AUG Fri 1 Aug
CHERISHED CATS
1pm - 3pm
Cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt. Learn about the importance of cats to the Egyptians and make your own mummified cat.
Fri 1 Aug Sun 3 Aug
HANDS ON STONEMASONRY
11am - 4pm
Learn how Durham Cathedral and Castle were actually built through stonemasonry demonstrations with sculptor Neil Molloy, and try your hand at the craft.
Oriental Museum
Durham Castle
Activities take place on Palace Green and are free of charge. Sat 2 Aug
HAPPY HATS
1pm - 3pm
Come along and explore hats from around the world, and make your own fantastic creation to wear.
Oriental Museum
Sat 2 Aug Sun 3 Aug Palace Green Library
1pm - 3pm
CARDBOARD CASTLES The Normans built Durham Castle nearly 1,000 years ago. Make your own cardboard version. Will it last as long?
Wed 6 Aug
FABULOUS FLAGS
1pm - 3pm
Explore flags from across Asia and create your own by collaging with fun materials, hoist it to a flag pole and fly it with pride.
Thurs 7 Aug
MARKO’S CIRCUS WORKSHOP
10am - 4pm
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Learn circus tricks, including how to juggle and spin plates, at this fun workshop. We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride.
Fri 8 Aug
RADIANT RANGOLI
1pm - 3pm
Find out about the Indian tradition of Rangoli, and make your own.
Fri 8 Aug Sun 10 Aug
HANDS ON STONEMASONRY
11am - 4pm
Learn how Durham Cathedral and Castle were actually built through stonemasonry demonstrations with sculptor Neil Molloy, and try your hand at the craft.
Oriental Museum
Durham Castle
Activities take place on Palace Green and are free of charge.
Sat 9 Aug
PAPER MAKING
1pm - 3pm
Paper was invented in China. Find out how and try your hand at paper making and marbling.
Oriental Museum
Sat 9 Aug
MARVELLOUS MINI BEASTS
2pm - 4pm
Go on a hunt for bugs and creepy crawlies and make your own butterfly.
Sat 9 Aug Sun 10 Aug
STUNNING STAINED GLASS
1pm - 3pm
Many buildings on the World Heritage Site have beautiful stained glass windows. Come along to make your own version.
Wed 13 Aug
SPECIAL SCROLLS
1pm - 3pm
Learn about Korean writing and decorate a scroll with calligraphy.
Thurs 14 Aug
TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
10am - 4pm
Popular children’s event with special activities. Enter your bear into the most loved teddy competition, enjoy a bear story and create some bear-y good artwork on this special day.
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride.
Fri 15 Aug
ASTOUNDING ARMIES
1pm - 3pm
Learn about the Chinese terracotta army, and make your own terracotta warrior out of clay.
Sat 16 Aug
BEASTLY BUGS
1pm - 3pm
Museums try to protect their collections from insect attack. Find out what these beastly bugs are eating and create your own mini monster to take home.
Sat 16 Aug Sun 17 Aug
ANGLO-SAXON JEWELLERY
1pm - 3pm
Use our special badges to create your own Anglo-Saxon decorated clasp.
Wed 20 Aug
GLORIOUS GARDENS
1pm - 3pm
Get creative and make a miniature Japanese Zen garden.
Thurs 21 Aug
JAY’S ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
10am - 4pm
The zoo comes to the Botanic Garden. From cute and cuddly to smooth and scaly, meet the incredible range of friendly animals visiting the Garden for the day. We recommend visitors use the Kiosk entrance and park at the Park & Ride.
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Fri 22 Aug
GREAT GODS
1pm - 3pm
Make an Egyptian Bes jar out of clay.
Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
Sat 23 Aug 1pm - 3pm
GORGEOUS GANESHA Find out about this special Hindu god and create a bejewelled statue.
Sat 23 Aug Mon 25 Aug 10am - 4pm
Sat 23 Aug Sun 24 Aug 1pm - 3pm
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden.
PEOPLE OF THE PAST Who lived in Durham in the past? Make your own puppet version to take home.
Wed 27 Aug
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
1pm - 3pm
DAZZLING DRAGON ROBES Learn about the five clawed dragon robes, exclusively for the Emperor, and decorate a Chinese robe to take home. Fri 29 Aug
LUCKY CATS
1pm - 3pm
Lucky cats are everywhere in Japan. Now you can make your own to display at home.
Oriental Museum
Sat 30 Aug
MARVELLOUS MESOPOTAMIA
1pm - 3pm
Explore the civilisation of Mesopotamia and craft an ancient archaeological find.
Sat 30 Aug Sun 31 Aug
JAPANESE ART
1pm - 3pm
Celebrate the end of our V&A summer exhibition by creating a piece of Japanese-inspired artwork.
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
SEPT Sat 6 Sept
MUSICAL MAGIC
1pm - 3pm
The Oriental Museum has several musical instruments on display. Come along and discover how they were made, the sounds they make and then create your own unique instrument to take home.
Sat 6 Sept Sun 7 Sept
ANGLO-SAXON TILES
1pm - 3pm
Anglo-Saxon churches were very well decorated with expensive tiles. When joined together they could make all sorts of patterns, so why not have a go at designing one for yourself with our shiny tiles and special pens.
Sun 7 Sept
NATIONAL ORCHID SHOW
10am - 4pm
The 4th National Orchid Show will be held at Josephine Butler College, next to Durham University Botanic Garden. There will be displays from orchid societies and the chance to buy orchids from a variety of specialist growers. As usual, visitors are welcome to bring any of their own plants along to the show if they would like advice about them. There will also be talks by guest speakers and plenty of opportunity to ask for cultural guidance. Organised by Darlington and District Orchid Society and with the support of the University, the show is becoming a very popular and enjoyable event.
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Botanic Garden
Entry to the National Orchid Show is free. Parking is available at the Park and Ride. Standard admission charges apply for the Botanic Garden.
Sat 13 Sept
LEAF ART
2pm - 4pm
Collect some leaves to make leaf print pictures and celebrate the start of autumn.
Sat 13 Sept Sun 14 Sept
VIKING LONG BOATS
1pm - 3pm
Create terror in Durham by making your own Viking longboat!
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Sat 20 Sept
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
1pm - 3pm
Water is vital for human life. Find out how water and water animals are celebrated in China, ancient Egypt and India and create your own watery creature.
Sat 20 Sept Sun 21 Sept
LUCET WEAVING
1pm - 3pm
Try your hand at weaving – Anglo-Saxon style! Using a small wooden ‘lucet’ you will be able to create a woollen braid that can be added to clothing or used as jewellery. Take away what you make and amaze your friends with your historical crafting!
Sat 27 Sept
AMAZING AMULETS
1pm - 3pm
Find out why the ancient Egyptians wore amulets and create a beautiful clay amulet to wear.
Sat 27 Sept Sun 28 Sept
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS WEEKEND
10am - 4pm
Sat 27 Sept Sun 28 Sept 1pm - 3pm
Silversmith Les Howe and his wife Vivienne, an artist and card designer, will be demonstrating their skills in the garden. Les takes much of his inspiration from the history of Durham, in particular St Cuthbert and the Lindisfarne Gospels. Viv works with traditional paper crafts such as embossing, quilling, parchment work and many more techniques.
MAKE YOUR OWN ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE Find out about the Romans in Durham and create your own mini-amphitheatre.
Oriental Museum
Palace Green Library
Oriental Museum
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
PALACE GREEN LIBRARY EXHIBITIONS THE SEVEN TREASURES: JAPANESE ENAMELS FROM THE V&A
OFF THE WALL: THE ART OF THE JAPANESE MOVIE POSTER
17 May - 31 Aug
17 May - 31 Aug
Cloisonné is a form of enamelling, the Japanese term for which directly translates as Seven Treasures. The craft underwent a renaissance in the middle of the 19th century, and quickly became one of Japan’s most successful exports. The Japanese enamels on display in this exhibition are from the V&A and will be shown with objects from Durham University’s Heritage Collections. The exhibition has been organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, with generous support from Edwin Davies, CBE.
The Japanese film industry entered a Golden Age from the 1950s onwards. Classic films were promoted by a new genre of art - the Japanese movie poster. These posters have become collectors’ items the world over. This exhibition displays the collection of Japanese movie posters from Durham University’s Oriental Museum.
LIVING ON THE HILLS: 10,000 YEARS OF DURHAM Opens 26 July This new family-friendly gallery will use archaeological treasures, artworks and documents to celebrate the story of this historic county and its people. It will feature objects and stories from the collections of Durham University and museums in the region.
DIVING INTO DURHAM: HIDDEN HISTORY UNDER ELVET BRIDGE Opens 7 June Fascinating archaeological discoveries from the banks and beds of the River Wear.
BOOKS FOR BOYS: Heroism, adventure and empire at the dawn of the First World War. Arrives 27 Sept
THUS I AM ENRICHED: Book binding from the middle ages to the modern day. Arrives 4 Oct
Heritage Open Days Heritage Open Days are England’s largest voluntary cultural event, celebrating the country’s fantastic places, history and culture. Across the country museums, attractions and historic venues open up their doors for a weekend of free admission and special events. Durham University Visitor Attractions are again participating in Heritage Open Days, celebrating the unique architecture and extensive history of the beautiful city of Durham. Some of our attractions will be offering free admission, whilst others will be running a range of activities for children and adults.
Sat 13 Sept & Sun 14 Sept
ORIENTAL MUSEUM The Oriental Museum will be offering free entry all weekend. On Saturday, from 1pm – 3pm, there will be a children’s craft activity based around our fantastic collection of ancient Chinese bronzes and swords. In addition, talks by one of the museum’s curators, entitled “Curator’s Choice: the top-10 objects on display in the museum”, will be taking place at 2.30pm and 3.30pm both days.
Oriental Museum
No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Thurs 11 Sept & Sun 14 Sept
DURHAM CASTLE Durham Castle will be offering free tours on Thursday. In addition, on Sunday the Castle will be open for visitors to explore of their own accord, with free admission and staff on hand to answer questions and offer wisdom.
Durham Castle
Please book Thursday’s tours through Palace Green Library, by calling +44 (0)191 334 2932. There is no need to book for Sunday’s event.
Sat 13 Sept & Sun 14 Sept
PALACE GREEN LIBRARY Palace Green Library, located on Durham’s beautiful World Heritage Site, will be recognising Heritage Open Days. Free admission will be offered on Saturday and Sunday. No need to book, just turn up on the day.
Palace Green Library
Heritage Open Days
Fri 12 Sept Sun 14 Sept
DURHAM UNIVERSITY ART TOURS To celebrate Heritage Open Days, Durham University will be offering free guided tours of the art collections housed amongst its central buildings and colleges. These tours will offer a fascinating insight into art and culture in Durham. Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is required. To book please visit www.durham.ac.uk/conference.booking or call +44 (0)191 334 2883.
Sat 13 Sept & Sun 14 Sept
USHAW COLLEGE Ushaw College, founded in 1808 but with a history dating back to the English College at Douai founded in 1568, trained priests for the Catholic Church in England and Wales until the closure of the Seminary in 2011. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour this unique building, including the historic Victorian Gothic Chapel, Refectory and College Library, and to find out more about this hidden Durham gem.
Palatine Centre, Durham Business School and Colleges
Ushaw College
Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is required. To book please visit www.durham.ac.uk/conference.booking or call +44 (0)191 334 2883.
For more information on Heritage Open Day activities please visit: www.durham.ac.uk/whatson
DURHAM WORLD HERITAGE SITE
WORLD HERTIAGE SITE VISITOR CENTRE
DURHAM CASTLE GUIDED TOURS
The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre, on Owengate Palace Green, enhances the experience of visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The Visitor Centre provides visitors with an overview of what a World Heritage Site is, what makes Durham significant, and what there is to see and do on the peninsula.
Discover the significance of Durham Castle through a guided tour and find out what it is that earned Durham its place on the World Heritage list.
The Visitor Centre also provides a central point of information about places to visit on the World Heritage Site including the Castle and the Cathedral with its Claustral Buildings housing the Treasures of St Cuthbert. The Centre also complements the work of Durham University Palace Green Library on the opposite side of the green.
Tours during University Vacations Tours are normally available every morning of the week at 10am, 11am and 12noon, and in the afternoons when there are no events at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.
Like the rest of the World Heritage Site, the Visitor Centre provides interactive experiences for visitors including exhibitions, performances and hands-on family activities. The World Heritage Site Visitor Centre can be contacted on visitor.centre@durham.ac.uk or on +44 (0)191 334 3805. For more information on the Durham World Heritage Site visit: www.durhamworldheritagesite.com
Tours during University Terms Tours are normally available every afternoon of the week at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. For full details of term dates visit www.durham.ac.uk/dates
For daily information on guided tour times, please contact Palace Green Library on +44 (0)191 334 2932 or the World Heritage Site Visitor Centre on +44 (0)191 334 3805.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS Durham University has a wealth of other attractions, offering a range of events, musicals, concerts, lectures and workshops for all ages. For the full listing visit www.durham.ac.uk/whatson or visit the individual sites below.
INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDY The IAS offers an extensive and thought-provoking programme of public lectures and seminars covering a myriad of topics, all tackling themes of public interest. Talks are free and open to all. Please visit our website for more information and lecture listings: www.durham.ac.uk/ias Institute of Advanced Study Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2589 Email: enquiries.ias@durham.ac.uk
DURHAM STUDENT THEATRE With an exciting variety of cutting edge drama, epic musicals, hilarious sketch comedy and intimate productions, DST brings the best of British and International theatre to Durham. Please visit our website for more information and performance listings: www.durham.ac.uk/DST Durham Student Theatre Tel: +44 (0)191 334 1419 Email: student.theatre@durham.ac.uk
MUSICON
Musicon is the University’s Public Concert Series. Administered by the Department of Music, Musicon promotes twelve concerts throughout the year, as well as a regular lunchtime concert series. Please visit our website for more information and performance listings: www.durham.ac.uk/musicon.concerts Musicon Tel: +44 (0)191 334 3156
DURHAM UNIVERSITY VENUES
ORIENTAL MUSEUM Elvet Hill, Durham DH1 3TH Tel: +44 (0)191 334 5694 Email: oriental.museum@durham.ac.uk www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum Opening times: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm Weekends & Bank Holidays: 12noon-5pm Admission: Adults: £1.50, Child (5-16) & 60+: £0.75, Family (2+3): £3.50, Students & U5s: FREE Additional information: Wheelchair access, accessible toilet, baby changing, café, shop and limited free parking.
BOTANIC GARDEN Hollingside Lane, Durham DH1 3TN Tel:+44 (0)191 334 5518 Email: botanic.garden@durham.ac.uk www.durham.ac.uk/botanic.garden Opening times: March – Oct, 10am-5pm. Nov – Feb, 10am-4pm. Admission: Adults: £4, Child (5-16): £1.50, 60+, Wheelchair Users and Reg. Disabled: £3, Students & U5s: FREE. Additional information: Wheelchair access, accessible toilet, baby changing, café, shop and free parking.
PALACE GREEN LIBRARY: EXHIBITIONS & SPECIAL COLLECTIONS Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RN Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2932 Email: pg.library@durham.ac.uk www.durham.ac.uk/palace.green Opening times: Tues – Fri: 10am-4.45pm. Weekends: 12noon-4.45pm Palace Green Library exhibitions will be closed during exhibition change over. See website for details of programme. Admission: For exhibition admission charges please visit website. Additional information: Wheelchair access, accessible toilet, baby changing, café and shop.
DURHAM CASTLE Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2932 Email: castle.tours@durham.ac.uk Guided tours: Adult £5, Concessions (60+, students,U16s) £3.50, Family day ticket (2+2) £12, Group rates (10+) Adults £4.50, Child / Senior citizen £3. Additional information: Limited wheelchair access, please speak to staff for specific details.
MAP
Botanic Garden
Palace Green Library
Durham Castle
Cosin’s Hall IAS Building
Oriental Museum World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
Assembly Rooms Durham Student Theatre Footpaths WARM/03/14/152