Durham University, Oriental Museum

The Oriental Museum at Durham University is a university museum that displays more than 23,500 objects from cultures around the world. The collection spans multiple levels and includes significant works from China, Egypt, Korea, India, and Japan.

The museum was founded in 1960 to support the university's teaching and research activities in Oriental studies and archaeology. This establishment reflected growing academic interest in non-European cultures.

The Chinese pottery collection displays styles from different time periods and shows how craft techniques evolved over centuries. Walking through the gallery, you can observe the materials and methods that were preferred in each era.

The museum is located in Elvet Hill House on the southern edge of Durham and offers free entry to all visitors. It opens six days per week, making it easy to fit into your visit schedule.

An Egyptian cosmetics jar carved from boxwood in the shape of a servant girl sits in a central circular display case and shows the naturalistic practices of ancient art. This piece illustrates a moment when artistic traditions were shifting in that era.

Location: Durham

Inception: 1960

Official opening: 1960

Part of: Durham University

Address: Elvet Hill, Durham DH1 3TH

Website: https://dur.ac.uk/oriental.museum

GPS coordinates: 54.76400,-1.58150

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:00