The Bowes Museum Summary

• Address: Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8NP (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1833 690606
• Fax: +44 (0)1833 637163
• Owner: The Bowes Museum Limited
• Administrator: The Bowes Museum Limited
• E-mail: Click here to contact

Your Reviews of The Bowes Museum

Jo (01 February 2012)

Bowes is nice museum and well catered for with plenty of parking spaces. Staff seem a bit stuck up and when asked questions seem to spend time either not knowing the answers or are sometimes sharp when asked. Archaeology is dismal and a waste of time, the display has not changed since the last time but I am sure that more can be done to improve the archaeology part. If you like old painting and are into fine pottery and tableware then you will be in for a treat. The swan is nice but that is the main attraction without this the museum has not a lot of things to do. Certainly not keep up with the times and people wanting to join in and touch things. Set in nice grounds although watch the odd dog fouling on the grass as it seems all sorts can use this area. I found the setting nice and quiet and the building well cared for and the cafe was good as well. Although like all gift shops, it had nothing new, the same old tat as we say at a high cost. The only way this museum can move forward is to get the archaeology display done properly by archaeologist. More in the way of interacting exhibits, with things for children as it does not cater for them. Staff should loosen up and be able to be comfortable with what they are doing, and know what you would like to see and how to see it. Place more emphasis on the collection rather than the swan, although nice but once seen that's it. And more about archaeology of the north with items you can touch and hold with someone on hand to ask questions would be another way forward. It just felt like it was stuck in a time warp, not wanting to push the limits and to create more things for children to do and get involved with. Would I go back? No, unless something drags me back as it’s the same old time set and nothing new and we should be proud of our heritage and the archaeology with this lovely building. Marks out of 10, 6, can do more better and should be forward looking.

Additional Info for The Bowes Museum

• Groups
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Guides
• Filming
• Gifts
• Shop
• Car Parking

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