Welcome
From Ancient Egypt to modern China, we are the only museum in the North of England devoted entirely to the art and archaeology of the great cultures of Northern Africa and Asia.
Visit the Oriental Museum to marvel at our collections, see our exhibitions, and enjoy fun family activities.
Our nationally important collections are located over 4 floors, with plenty to discover about the cultures of the orient. You may wish to plan for a visit of around 2 hours minimum. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Level 4 Entry levelLevel 3Level 2Level 1Reception DeskEntrance Level ToiletsSelf Service CafeOriental Museum ShopThere is level access from the car park to:
Outside of Museum entranceHearing
Visual
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
Travel by taxi
Parking
The Museum has a small visitor car park for visitors, including two dedicated disabled parking spaces. These bays are located 14 and 18 metres from the Museum entrance. Additional roadside metered parking is available on Elvet Hill Road and Potters Bank. Please note that access to any other University car parks (such as the large one on the corner of Elvet Hill Road) is restricted to motor vehicles carrying an official University car parking permit. For some of our annual events (such as the Lantern Festival) we are given special permission to use the University car parks, and on such occasions a member of Museum staff will direct you to a parking space.
Visitors to Durham City's tourist attractions might also consider using the nearby Park and Ride facilities which are just a short walk from the museum on South Road. From here a regular bus service travels in and out of the city centre.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Once you enter the museum from the external door there is another internal door which is side hung and XX mm wide

Getting around inside
Lift
Lift from level 4 to Level 3 and 2
Lift from level 2 to Level 1
Ticket/ information desk
Reception Desk
The Reception desk is 8 metres from the main entrance. The desk is 110cm high with a low section of 76cm.

Things to See and Do
Level 4 Entry level
For special events we may use fairy lights that may flash/twinkle
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Public toilet
Entrance Level Toilets
The dimensions of the toilet cubicle are 195cm x 240cm
The toilet is 15 metres from the Museum entrance
There is a contrasting red toilet seat
Shop
Oriental Museum Shop
Place to eat and drink
Self Service Cafe
The first table is 5 metres from the Museum entrance.
Table height is 72cm
There is no fixed seating so all tables and chairs are moveable
Getting around outside
Outside of Museum entrance
Visitors can enjoy their own food at the picnic tables and are also able to eat/drink items from the self-service cafe at these tables.

Customer care support
Sensory bags for autistic visitors
Large print guides
Dementia friendly
Emergency evacuation procedures
Customer care support