Durham Cathedral Museum reopens doors after Covid closure

DURHAM Cathedral Museum is re-opening its doors and is welcoming visitors back inside to experience some of the most beautiful and well-preserved monastic spaces in the country.

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.

The Northern Echo: Andrew Usher Chief Officer and Marie-Theresa Mayne Exhibitions and Collections Officer at Durham Cathedral Museum. Picture Paul Norris Andrew Usher Chief Officer and Marie-Theresa Mayne Exhibitions and Collections Officer at Durham Cathedral Museum. Picture Paul Norris

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 Northern Echo: Andrew Usher Chief Officer and Marie-Theresa Mayne Exhibitions and Collections Officer with St. Cuthberts Pectoral Cross at Durham Cathedral Museum. Picture Paul Norris Andrew Usher Chief Officer and Marie-Theresa Mayne Exhibitions and Collections Officer with St. Cuthberts Pectoral Cross at Durham Cathedral Museum. Picture Paul Norris

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 tomorrow (April 5) to July 3, 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.

The Northern Echo:

Andrew added: “Our changing exhibition space enables us to tell even more stories of Durham's rich heritage.

"As County Durham celebrates making the shortlist to be crowned the UK’s City of Culture 2025 and with the excitement of the upcoming Queen's Platinum Jubilee, it’s fantastic that we’re once again able to showcase our collections and highlight the region's connections to nationally significant events.

"We’re proud to care for these and many other items in our collection and the price of each ticket bought for entry to the Museum will enable us to care for these collections for future generations to enjoy.” The Northern Echo:

The Museum was opened in 2016 following a £10.9 million development project, supported by donations from many individuals and organisations, including a grant of £3.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Visitors can explore these unique spaces that once served Durham’s medieval monastery at their own pace on weekdays (last entry 3.30pm), or enjoy a 1 hour highlights tour with an expert guide on selected Saturdays. Tickets are £7.50 for adults and under 16s go free. Tickets can be booked online at durhamcathedral.co.uk/museum.