About Oriental Museum
Discover fascinating artefacts from across Asia at Durham's specialist collection, featuring accessible facilities and onsite parking—perfect for families exploring Eastern cultures together.
What's nearby
- Elvet Hill House next door
- Van Mildert College • Durham University next door
- Trevelyan College • Durham University next door
- St Aidan's College • Durham University 150m away
- Durham University 250m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Free street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Admission was free. The museum has wonderful staff, and the collection of exhibits is beautifully curated. There is also a gift shop near the entrance that sells unique and original souvenirs. If you're not arriving by car, you'll need to walk a little, but it's definitely worth it.
· via Google
Interesting exhibitions on oriental themed subjects given less coverage in many other museums. Friendly staff. Free entry. Saw lots of excited school children being taught about the exhibits which is great. Nice small shop area and refreshment facilities.
· via Google
Lovely museum with excellent gift shop. It is quite small but is totally free all you can't exactly complain about that. It's an interesting layout because it exists on 4 levels and you start at the top. Each level has a wide corridor and you proceed along it before descending to the next. Via this method you reach the bottom. I was surprised at the ancient Egypt exhibits because i consider Egypt Africa not Asia but it was good to see. There are also many beautiful objects from Chinese and Japanese cultures such as Buddhist and Hindu items like a personal alter, dolls house and other religious objects.
· via Google
The Oriental museum in Durham is absolutely fabulous with many exibits for all ages so my wife and I really enjoyed it very much, if you have children then take them to see it, they will be absolutely fascinated!
· via Google
People say this museum features a large collection of fascinating artifacts, especially from Ancient Egypt and China, with well-presented and engaging exhibits. They also highlight the free entry, convenient parking, and family-friendly atmosphere with interactive displays. Others also say the staff are friendly and helpful, and the restrooms are spotless.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Elvet Hill Road, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TH Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (853 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Durham