See Durham > Attractions > The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts.
The Bowes Museum first opened to the public on 10th June 1892 and attracted nearly 63,000 visitors in its first year.
The museum is packed with treasures, so much so that storage and display space comes with a very high premium. At every turn you can see important and precious works from all over Europe, and each piece has its own story to tell. However it is the 230 year-old Silver Swan that is the best-loved object in the museum. The Silver Swan is an English silver automaton, a unique attraction that was bought by the Bowes in 1872. The life size model is still in working order and is operated at the museum on a daily basis.
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The diverse collection spans three floors of the magnificent building and contains items too numerous to list. Whether it is paintings by Canaletto or Goya, porcelain produced at Sevres, or marquetry attributed to Andre-Charles Boulle it can all be found at The Bowes Museum, which has received Designated status from the government in recognition of the outstanding collection.
Visitors to The Bowes Museum today can not only learn of John and Josephine’s wonderful story in building the museum and marvel at the fascinating collections but can also enjoy an exciting programme of exhibitions.
Activities in the park and a superb cafe and shop have helped bring the museum singing and dancing into the 21st century. The magnificent legacy that John and Josephine left to the people of Teesdale has been cared for to retain its charm and intrigue yet sympathetic developments have made the attraction a popular, vibrant and exciting day out for all.
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Opening Hours:
The Bowes Museum is open daily. Closed only 25 & 26 December & 1 January.
Galleries & Exhibitions
10.00 - 5.00
Cafe Bowes
10.00 - 4.30
Free entry
Shop
10.00 - 4.40