Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Durham Cathedral Museum, formerly Open Treasure, has only been available to visitors via small tour groups. However, as safety precautions have shifted over the past few months, visitors will once again be able to explore the Museum’s impressive spaces and get up close to the treasures of St. Cuthbert.
Andrew Usher, Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise says, “We’re delighted to be able to re-open the museum once again and invite visitors in to explore at their leisure. These spaces are incredibly impressive and are filled with fascinating collections that tell the story of Durham Cathedral so we want as many people as possible to have access. It's fantastic that we’re able to fully re-open the Museum, and all that it offers, after almost two years of being closed.”
Visitors will be able to purchase tickets to explore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith throughout Durham Cathedral Museum. The story of the Benedictine monks is told in the Monks’ Dormitory, which still boasts its magnificent original 15th century oak timber roof. In the octagonal Great Kitchen visitors can get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.
From 5 April to 3 July 2022, visitors will also have access to the newest exhibition, Crown and Cathedral: Durham’s Royal Stories, which features unique items such as the royal cope worn by the Bishop of Durham at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, George VI, George V and Edward VII.
