Durham Cathedral Museum

Explore 2000 years of the North East's history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum.

Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to the treasures of St Cuthbert, including his hand carved 7th century wooden coffin and his iconic Pectoral Cross. Experience the sounds and smells of daily life at Durham Cathedral in centuries gone by in the Monks' Dormitory, once a living space for Benedictine monks. Under the impressive original 15th century oak timber roof, discover the stories of how Christianity flourished in the North East of England.

Until 3 July 2022 your ticket also gives you access to our newest exhibition, 'Crown and Cathedral: Durham's Royal Stories', in an intimate gallery showcasing snapshots of Durham's changing relationship with monarchs over the centuries. See unique items from the museum collection, such as the royal cope worn by the Bishop of Durham at the coronations of Queen Elizabeth II, George VI and Edward VII.

Visiting the museum

Tickets and opening times

Book tickets to explore at your own pace, Monday to Friday (opens 10am, last entry 3:30pm).
Book a 1 hour highlights tour with an expert guide on some Saturdays, and during periods where it is not possible for the museum to open all day.
The museum is currently closed on Sundays.

Prices

Adult £7.50
Annual pass £15
Under 16s and carers free

Watch

Welcome to Durham Cathedral Museum

Accessibility within Durham Cathedral Museum

Accessing the exhibition spaces

The entrance to Durham Cathedral Museum is via stairs from the Cloister up to the Monks’ Dormitory. There is an enclosed platform lift to access the first floor and the starting point for the museum exhibitions.

The two main galleries are not at ground floor level so there is no level access route into the museum. The lift and museum spaces are unable to accommodate motorised scooters.

The lift is 1.4m deep, and 1.1m wide, with a door width of 90cm.

After the Collections Gallery, there is another enclosed platform lift to take visitors back down to ground floor level.

There are benches throughout Durham Cathedral Museum for visitors who wish to stop and rest.

Assistance dogs

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and support dogs are welcome in Durham Cathedral Museum.

Visitors with a visual impairment

The majority of Durham Cathedral Museum's exhibitions are text-based. However gallery attendants and volunteer stewards can explain and give information about exhibits.

There are some tactile exhibits within the exhibition, as well as scents and music.

Touch Tours may be available. Dates will be announced in advance and booking will be essential. Please take a look at What's On.

A large print version of the text is available.

Visitors with a hearing impairment

There is currently no audio guide to Durham Cathedral Museum.

The information desks in the museum are fitted with induction loops.

British Sign Language tours are occasionally available, dates are announced in advance and booking is essential. Upcoming British Sign Language tours will be listed on our What's On page.

Accessible toilets

There is one accessible toilet within Durham Cathedral Museum. The main cathedral toilet block, near the Shop and Restaurant, also has accessible toilets.