Oriental Museum
Oriental Museum
Durham University
Elvet Hill
Durham
Durham
DH1 3TH
England
Website
Our website
www.durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum
All enquiries
Telephone
All enquiries
0191 334 5694
Fax
0191 334 5640
The Oriental Museum is the only museum in the North of Britain devoted solely to the art and archaeology of the Orient. The remarkable collections reveal the great cultures of Asia; the Near and Middle East; and North Africa.
Highlights include the Chinese and Ancient Egyptian collections, which are Designated Collections of national importance.
Venue Type:
Museum
Additional info
See website for details
The Oriental Museum's collections number over 23,500 objects and range in date from prehistoric artefacts to contemporary arts. The collections cover the history and arts of the great cultures of Ancient Egypt, China, Japan, South and South East Asia and Islamic North Africa. The Chinese and Ancient Egyptian collections are Designated Collections of national importance.
The Egyptian collection is one of the best Egyptology resources in Britain. It ranges from the Pre-Dynastic to the Coptic periods in date and includes a wide selection of objects ranging from monumental sculpture to woven sandals. Numerous items of exceptional quality and international significance are included. Particular highlights are a unique 18th Dynasty boxwood carving of a Nubian servant girl; the 18th Dynasty polychrome sycamore boxes of Perpawty; and a fine 13th Dynasty granite statue of the vizier Paser.
The Chinese collection is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. It is a significant and representative collection of pieces from earlier dynasties as well as numerous fine examples from later dynasties. The museum recently purchased (2007) a portfolio of 60 contemporary Chinese prints, representing the work of many of China’s best contemporary printmakers.
Collection details
World Cultures, Weapons and War, Religion, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archives, Archaeology
Key artists and exhibits
- 4th Duke of Northumberland's collection of Egyptian antiquities
- Wellcome Collection of Ancient Egyptian objects
- Malcolm MacDonald Collection of Chinese Ceramics
- Sir Charles Hardinge Collection of Chinese jades and bronzes
- Henry De Laszlo Collection Chinese Collection
- Designated Collection
Hinduism in India: Culture, Ritual & Community
Hinduism is the religion of most people in India, more than 827 million people among the population of 1.02 billion follow the Hindu faith. Elements of the faith stretch back many thousands of years. Hinduism has no one founder; no one scripture; and no commonly agreed set of teachings.
Centred around recreated Hindu shrines, this exhibition tells the story of the religious life of millions of people in India. Objects reflecting both ritual and daily life; dramatic prints; and photographs provide an insight into this vibrant culture.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
Where
Oriental Museum
Admission
Normal museum entrance applies.
Website
Ancient Egyptian Accessories
This activity is suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission entry applies.
Website
Chinese Dragon Boat Festival
Find out about the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival. Make and decorate your own dragon boat. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission applies.
Website
World Oceans Day
Celebrate World Ocean Day. Take inspiration from the museum galleries and create your own sea creature to take home. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply. £1.50 per adult and 75p per child.
Website
Museum Bugs
Come along and find out about the bugs that can eat the museum's collections and make an egg box bug. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply. Just 75p per child or concession, and £1.50 per adult. Under 5's and students are FREE.
Website
Great Ganesha
Celebrate the opening of our new Hinduism exhibition by making your own elephant-god and adorn him with sequins. Drop in session for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Usual museum admission prices apply.
Website
Dreadful Dragons
Find out about dragons in Chinese culture and make an amazing fire-breathing dragon! For children aged 5-11 years. Drop in sessions.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission applies.
Website
Walk like a pharaoh
Family craft activity at the Oriental Museum. Make your own ancient Egyptian Pharaoh mask. Drop-in session 1 - 3 pm. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission charges apply. £1.50 per adult and 75p per child or concession.
Website
Perfect Paper
Join us for an afternoon of paper marbling and paper crafts.
Drop in 1-3pm, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. (please note this may be a messy craft, so please dress appropriately).
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admisison applies. Adults £1.50, children (5-18) and Over 60s 75p, children under 5 FREE, family ticket (2 adults + 3 children ) £3.50
Website
Egyptian Mask
Come and visit the museum's mummies, and make a mummy mask. Drop in session for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Website
Japanese Wooden Doll
Family craft activity - Make a Japanese wooden doll.
Activity suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Magnificent mosaics
Get creative and make a beautiful mosaic from glass tiles.
Suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Drop in 1-3pm.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission applies.
Website
The Hungry Silk Worm
Find out about the silk trade route, and make your own Hungry Silk Worm story book. Drop in crafts, suitable for children aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum, DH1 3TH
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Japanese Zen Garden
Children can design and make a Japanese Zen Garden at the Oriental Museum this afternoon. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Amazing Animals
Some of the most amazing animals in the world are found in Asia. Make your own 3D model of a tiger, panda or elephant. Drop in craft session, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum
Admission
Normal museum admission applies. £1.50 per adult / 75p per child or concession.
Website
The Egyptian Afterlife
Find out what the Ancient Egyptians believed about the afterlife and make canopic jars - complete with organs inside. The activity is drop-in, no need to book. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years and accompanying adults. Children must be supervised by a parent/carer at all times.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TH
Admission
Normal museum admission applies.
Website
Buddhist Wheel of Life
Learn about Buddhism and make a Buddhist Wheel of Life. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum, DH1 3TH
Admission
Adults: £1.50
Children 5-16 and Over 60s: 75p
Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £3.50
Website
Super Soap Carving
Take inspiration from the Oriental Museum's collections and create your own sculpture ... from soap.
Drop in crafts, 1-3pm, for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission applies.
Website
Celebrate Awa Odori
Celebrate the Japanese dancing festival of Awa Odori. Learn about the Fool's Dance and decorate the costumes of ren dancing groups.
Drop in activity, suitable for children aged 5-11 year. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Chinese Handprint Dragon
Make and decorate a Chinese handprint dragon. Drop in craft activity, suitable for children aged 5 - 11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Oriental Museum, DH1 3TH
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Magical Masks
Find out about the Chinese operatic tradition, make your own opera mask, all whilst listening to an authentic Chinese opera.
Drop in crafts, 1-3pm, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission applies. £1.50 per adult / 75p per child.
Website
Islamic Prayer Mat
Find out about Islamic culture and make a prayer mat. Drop in craft activities for children, aged 5-11 years.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Indian Animal Masks
Learn about the animals of India, and make an elephant or tiger mask or a peacock finger puppet.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
Usual museum admission prices apply.
Website
Mystical Money Tree
Find out about this mythical Chinese tree and make your own golden coin tree for good fortune.
Crafts, 1-3pm drop in, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 5-6
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Website
Scarab Beetle
Try writing your name in hieroglyphs and make your own scarab beetle. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Japanese Crafts
Discover the importance of symbols in Japanese art, and make a Japanese screen decorated with the symbols you have learnt. Drop-in activity, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 5-6
- 7-10
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
When
1-3pm
Admission
Normal museum admission prices apply.
Website
Lovely Leather
Humans have been working leather for thousands of years. Have a go at making your own wrist guard or purse.
Drop in crafts, 1-3pm, suitable for children aged 5-11 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
When
1-3pm
Admission
normal museum admission applies (£1.50 per adult and 75p per child).
Website
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