A POPULAR museum has closed for the first phase of a major refurbishment.

The Oriental Museum, in Durham City, closed on Saturday, January 8, so workers can install a new information and reception area, cafe with extra seats and a larger shop.

It will reopen on Monday, January 24.

The refurbishment is part of a long-term plan aimed at improving the Durham University-run museum’s facilities and visitor experience.

Curator Craig Barclay said: "This is just the beginning of a four-year development plan for the museum which will include transforming all our permanent galleries.

"We wanted to start by improving facilities for visitors to ensure that we offer the best possible service throughout the development period."

Work is also due to start on improving the museum’s two Chinese galleries. One will reopen this spring, with the second following in late summer.

The museum’s other galleries remain open during this time, although all will be upgraded over the next four years.

Opened in 1960 to support teaching and research at Durham University, the museum houses more than 23,000 objects.

Its Ancient Egyptian and Chinese collections are recognised as being among the finest in the country.

From Monday, January 24, the museum will be open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 12pm to 5pm at weekends and on bank holidays. Admission is £1.50 for adults, 75p for children aged five to 16 and over 60s and free for children under five and students.

For more details on the Oriental Museum’s redevelopment project, call 0191-3345694 or visit: durham.ac.uk/oriental.museum