Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Oriental Museum is free entry to all visitors. Current opening times are 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Friday and 12pm-5pm, Saturday to Sunday. Thursday the museum is open until 7pm.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
369 reviews
Excellent
256
Very good
95
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
2
DarthBoarder
Cockermouth, UK73 contributions
Jun 2022
Booking is required but entrance is free. No6 bus from Durham bus depot delivers you to the door and whilst you are there the Botanical Gardens are also worth a visit.
The museum is modern with great attention to how artifacts are displayed and explained. Absolute credit to those who make it available to the general public
The museum is modern with great attention to how artifacts are displayed and explained. Absolute credit to those who make it available to the general public
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your visit and kind words. We are very proud of the museum and the great feedback we receive!
Written June 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
grimreaper21
england90 contributions
May 2022
This is a superb free museum full of well displayed arts and crafts from Asia and ancient Egypt, and housed in Durham University. It deserves to be better known as it is only a moderate walk from Durham Cathedral and city centre. There is a small car park and further street parking outside, free after 2 pm.
Even if you only have a passing interest in the East you will find something of interest here from Egyptian mummies to modern day Covid posters and all sorts of beautiful artifacts from the centuries in between.
We were lucky to catch a wonderful temporary exhibition of Japanese wood block prints but no doubt another special will be along later in the year. We spent over three hours here but could easily have spent longer.
The staff on the door were clearly very proud of the museum and rightly so. Do visit soon.
Even if you only have a passing interest in the East you will find something of interest here from Egyptian mummies to modern day Covid posters and all sorts of beautiful artifacts from the centuries in between.
We were lucky to catch a wonderful temporary exhibition of Japanese wood block prints but no doubt another special will be along later in the year. We spent over three hours here but could easily have spent longer.
The staff on the door were clearly very proud of the museum and rightly so. Do visit soon.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and kind words. The museum does appeal to so many visitors all for different reasons.
Hopefully our changing exhibitions will keep visitors returning to see something new and amazing each time!
Written June 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katyportwood
Dunbar, UK7 contributions
May 2022
This is a fabulous small specialist museum, containing exhibits from China, Japan, India and Egypt among others. It contains a fascinating range of artifacts, beautifully curated and accompanied by commentaries, videos, etc.. It is on four levels, but accessible to all. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a small seating area with drinks machine, soft drinks, etc., near the entrance. We spent a couple of hours, but could easily have stayed longer, as each exhibit is worthy of attention. One of our best experiences when visiting Durham.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased that your visit to the museum was one of your best experiences when visiting Durham.
All the staff work so hard to make sure that the collections are interesting and appeal to a wide range of audiences.
If you are ever back in Durham we'd love to see you again!
Written June 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mobile519904
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Although I have lived in County Durham all my life and worked in the City, this is the first time I have visited the museum. I very much enjoyed the visit, helpful staff and informative information sheets on the exhibits. Free entrance and parking. Very reasonably priced souvenir shop.
Written April 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit. It is like having a hidden gem on your doorstep! Now you know what we have to offer please come back and see us again soon.
Written May 16, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becky Maggie
County Durham, UK19 contributions
Feb 2023
The free museum was interesting, staff were helpful. My only downside - and this is no reflection of the staff or museum itself - was the noisy family that I couldn't seem to get any peace from! All the exhibits and artifacts are well labelled with just the right amount of information, but I couldn't take it in due to this distracting family. The map helped navigate the museum. It took around an hour to see everything, I could have stayed a little longer if it wasnt for the above.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit. Sorry to read it wasn't the environment that encouraged you to stay longer. We have twilight openings on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month until 7pm starting in April which are often a quieter time to visit the museum. We do hope you can come back again soon.
Written February 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheRossiMagic☀️🌙🏍️
Lutterworth, UK47 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
I visited here to expand my knowledge of the world. There's lots of historic information about the Oriental region and surrounding SE Asia. When I visited there was also an Egyptian exhibition. This was good with information and artifacts. The museum is at the University where it is away from the city centre. Car parking is limited however there is regular buses from the city. I definitely recommend visiting here.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the Oriental Museum. We hope that you come back again soon to see our changing exhibition programme.
Written December 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JVR77
St. Albans, UK137 contributions
Jul 2023
This museum was certainly much more impressive than we expected, given that entry is free. Exhibits are all interesting, very well presented and displayed. It is probably the best museum we have ever visited for providing seating and there was thoughtful attention to the needs of disabled visitors. Very well worth a visit.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and kind words. We try really hard to make sure that the museum is accessible for all so it is great to hear of your experience.
Written July 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael Elliott
County Durham, UK6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Oriental museum is a hidden gem. This museum is free entry for families and has a lot to offer. We went as a family of 7. Two adults and five children. The museum offered good interaction with the children, the opportunity to wear the clothing on the respective culture along with drawing and colouring in stations.
The children found it very educational, whilst completing the quiz as we walked around the venue and the knowledge of the staff for any questions was very good. Really please we went here. Thank you for being so welcoming.
The children found it very educational, whilst completing the quiz as we walked around the venue and the knowledge of the staff for any questions was very good. Really please we went here. Thank you for being so welcoming.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for visiting with your family. We are often described as a 'hidden gem' as there is a lot to see when you get there and we try to make the museum accessible to all.
Hopefully see you again soon!
Written August 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beccy C
111 contributions
May 2023
Unusual place as you enter on the top floor. There are 3 floors below that are accessible by lift if you can't manage stairs. Interesting exhibits, and enjoyed learning about different times in history. Worth a visit
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit and recommendation for others to visit too!
Written July 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie Y
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Couples
Fascinating objects well displayed with a good amount of information covering a wide range of countries and dates. Small enough so that you can comfortably see everything in an hour but you could spend much longer there. A really good collection and not at all busy. Objects range from mummified cat, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Korean carvings, Chinese statuettes and much, much more.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit. We hope that your review encourages other visitors to come and see our wonderful collections.
Written April 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura D
166 contributions
Is there any parking available at the museum?
Visitor Services Assistant
Durham, UK
Hi Laura, yes we do have a small car park just beside the museum, for about 12 cars. It is usually possible to park, but Wednesday mornings at 10am it is usually full due to our Little Dragons under 5's group. Afternoons are best if that is possible.
You will be asked to provide your registration details to our Front of House, but parking is free.
Roger C
Leeds, UK4 contributions
when it's open!
AllisonPercival
County Durham, UK4 contributions
Hi there,
Just to confirm that our opening times are -
Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm
and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 12pm - 5pm.
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Oriental Museum!
Many thanks from the museum team.
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Claim your listingOriental Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Oriental Museum
- Oriental Museum is open:
- Tue - Wed 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Thu 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Fri - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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- Restaurants near Oriental Museum:
- (0.90 mi) Coarse
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Oriental Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 256 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 95 |
Oriental Museum Photos | 169 |