Oriental Museum | Durham

Information

Landmark: Oriental Museum
City: Durham
Country: United Kingdom
Continent: Europe

Oriental Museum, Durham, United Kingdom, Europe

Oriental Museum is a university museum dedicated to the art and archaeology of Northern Africa and Asia, located in Durham, United Kingdom. It is a part of Durham University and is the only museum in the North of England focused entirely on Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a purpose-built 1960s modernist structure. The interior is organized into thematic galleries across multiple levels, featuring high-density displays of artifacts ranging from monumental stone sculptures to delicate silk and jade. The lighting is strictly controlled to preserve light-sensitive materials like papyrus and textiles.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is located on Elvet Hill Road (DH1 3TH), situated within the university's south campus area.

Public Transport: Accessible via buses stopping at the New Inn or Potters Bank (e.g., 6, X12). It is a 20-minute uphill walk from the city center.

Road: Access is via South Road (A177) or Elvet Hill Road.

Parking: Limited free parking is available on-site for visitors.

Access: The museum is fully accessible with lift access to all floors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened in 1960, the museum was founded to house the growing collections of the university’s School of Oriental Studies. Its foundations are largely built upon the collection of the Duke of Northumberland. The site is located near the Durham University Botanic Garden, contributing to a quiet, high-biodiversity academic environment on the outskirts of the city.

Key Highlights & Activities

Ancient Egypt: Features a significant collection of funerary objects, including a well-preserved mummy and intricate shabti figures.

China: Notable for its high-quality collection of jade, ceramics, and textiles spanning several dynasties.

Japan and Korea: Displays of samurai armor, lacquered wood, and contemporary ceramics.

India and Southeast Asia: Focuses on Buddhist and Hindu sculpture and religious artifacts.

Malcolm MacDonald Gallery: Houses rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of Southeast Asian ceramics.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a small museum shop. There is no dedicated café on-site, but refreshments are available at the nearby Botanic Garden or the Collingwood College facilities. Public restrooms and baby-changing stations are available. 5G cellular coverage is consistent.

Best Time to Visit

Open Tuesday to Sunday (check specific times; typically 11:00–16:00, with extended hours on Wednesdays). The museum is closed on Mondays. For low visitor density, visit on weekday mornings during university term time.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is that the museum was originally called the Gulbenkian Museum of Oriental Art and Archaeology, named after the philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian, whose foundation funded the building. In 2012, the museum was the site of a high-profile heist where rare Chinese artifacts were stolen (most have since been recovered).