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Museum Details

The Bowes Museum

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The Bowes Museum
Barnard Castle
DL12 8NP
County Durham
England

Collection details
Archaeology
Archives
Coins and Medals
Costume and Textiles
Decorative and Applied Art
Fine Art
Literature
Music
Natural Sciences
Personalities
Photography
Religion
Social History
Toys and Hobbies
Weapons and War

Facilities

Parking: yes
Food: yes
Shop: yes
Guided tours: yes
Baby changing facilities: yes
Library: yes
Study area: yes
Wheelchair access: yes
Visual disability facilities: yes
Hearing disability facilities: yes

The Museum's reference library is staffed by the Friends of The Bowes Museum. It is open to readers on Thursdays 2.00pm-5.00pm. By appointment only.

The Friends of The Bowes Museum offer free guided tours of the galleries. For more information, or to pre-book your place please contact us.

Handling Sessions may be arranged in advance.

Contact details
General information (Tel) : 01833 690606
General information (Fax) : 01833 637163
E-mail : info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk
Website : www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

Open
Open Daily 10.00 - 5.00 (Winter closing at 4.00 1 Nov - 29 Feb)

Closed
Closed only 25 & 26 Dec & 1 Jan

Admission charges
Adults: £7.00
Concessions (Disabled, over 60s, students, unwaged): £6.00
Under 16s, disabled carers, tour guides and accompanying coach drivers: FREE
Groups of 12 or more receive a discount on the normal admission price.
Photography and Video Permit: £3.00
FREE parking and admission to grounds

Proof of status is required for free and discounted tickets.

Discounts
International Council of Museums
Museums Association

Description
The Museum offers one of Britain's most fascinating museum experiences. Founded over 100 years ago, by Jihn and Joséphine Bowes, the magnificent building contains the greatest collection of European fine and decorative arts in the North of England. The designated collection contains works by Goya, El Greco and Canaletto. The Museum also houses a number of entertaining interactives and presents a programme of unmissable exhibitions which run throughout the year. Situated in beautiful grounds with acclaimed Café Bowes and Shop, The Bowes Museum provides a great day out for everyone.

Collections description
The Museum holds an outstanding collection of European fine and decorative arts of the period 1400-1875, specialising in French and Spanish paintings. There is an extensive collection of English furniture, European ceramics and textiles, as well as archaeological material and archives from County Durham and social history from Teesdale.

Key artists and exhibits
Silver Swan ; James Cox ; Pease Train ; Clockwork Toys ; Canaletto ; El Greco ; Goya ; Tiepolo ; Boucher ; Revolving Band Clock ; Giordano ; Turner ; Japanese Tiger ; Portrait of Josephine Bowes ; Portrait of John Bowes ; Paintings by Josephine Bowes

Articles
Bowes Museum Famous Mechanical Swan Goes Back On Show In December
News In Brief - Week Ending November 14 2008
Picturing The Bible From Raphael To El Greco At The Bowes
News In Brief - Week Ending August 24 2008
News In Brief - Week Ending July 2008
News In Brief - Museums, Galleries And Heritage News
News In Brief - Week Ending June 15 2008

Trails
Art Treasures of the North East

Available resources
the bowes

General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Foreign language leaflet or brochure available
Information point provided
Parking for coaches
Guided tours Collections
General guide to collections available
Specialist publications on collections available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information Disability Access
Audio guides specifically for blind and partially sighted people
General audio-guide available
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Large print information and/or interpretation
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Touch exhibits and/or handling sessions
Wheelchair access to some public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan Children and Families
Activities for pre-school children
Baby changing facilities
Events and resources for children and families
Gardens open to public
Picnic area General Education
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
General audio-guide available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Secondary school education service available Facilities
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
Gardens open to public
General audio-guide available
Library with public access
Licensed for weddings
Mail order service available
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Picnic area
Refreshments
Research facilities for academics
Restaurant
Shop
Study facilities Search this site

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Information published here was believed to be correct at the time it was prepared. Welsh language pages developed with CYMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

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