How Old Is the Oriental Museum in Durham?

Durham University's Oriental Museum: A 21st-Century Treasure House

The Oriental Museum at Durham University opened its doors in 2005. Despite its youth, it houses a remarkable collection of over 2,000 artifacts spanning the cultures of Asia and the Near East.

Collection Highlights

• China: Ceramics, jades, bronzes, and paintings from the Neolithic to the Qing dynasty.
• Japan: Samurai armor, ukiyo-e prints, ceramics, and Buddhist art.
• Korea: Celadon pottery, metalwork, and folk art.
• India & Himalayas: Sculpture, textiles, manuscripts, and ritual objects.
• Near East: Ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, and Islamic artifacts.

Mission

The museum serves as a teaching and research resource for the university and a public gateway to Asian art and archaeology. Its modern, purpose-built galleries provide an intimate setting for close study of these diverse cultures.