Opening hours are from 10am – 5pm daily. Café Bowes closes 4.30pm. Last orders for Café Bowes at 4pm. PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday 14 July, the museum closes at 4pm and the cafe closes at 3:30pm

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary

28 March - 6 September 2026

A multi-gallery exhibition honouring one of fashion’s most provocative and imaginative British designers, Vivienne Westwood.

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A full‑body figure stands against a plain light background wearing an elaborate sculptural outfit made from many layered garments. The clothing pieces are brightly coloured and vary in patterns and textures, including jackets, shirts, skirts, and fabric panels stacked and draped to form a voluminous, mound‑like silhouette. The figure also wears bright red tights and matching shoes, with only the legs visible beneath the mass of clothing.

Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks

27 June - 3 January

Step inside the working imagination of Norman Cornish in this intimate exhibition, bringing together finished drawings, paintings and watercolours alongside the preparatory sketches that shaped them.

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A painted street scene shows rows of terraced houses under a cloudy sky, with people walking along a curved road, a horse-drawn cart, and figures gathered on the pavement.

Summer at The Bowes Museum

18 July - 30 August

Discover a packed programme of family-friendly activities inspired by the museum’s collection, exhibitions and beautiful parkland.

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A child stands in a bright gallery space holding a magnifying glass and pointing upward, with tables, chairs, and a glass display case visible in the background.

VOLUNTEER

Whether it’s as a trustee, as a guide, or on a work experience placement, joining our growing army of volunteers is a fulfilling and fascinating experience.

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A person wearing black gloves is carefully restoring or cleaning a decorative porcelain piece on a table covered with a white cloth. The porcelain object features intricate floral patterns and pastel colors, with multiple small components arranged in front. The individual is using a fine brush and appears to be working in a room with dark curtains and large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the workspace.

SMARTIFY

Enrich your cultural learning experience at The Bowes Museum by downloading the free app Smartify onto your smartphone or tablet.

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A 19th-century portrait of a seated woman in an elegant white dress adorned with a pink ribbon, wearing a red headscarf. She rests one arm on a decorative table holding a vase of roses and an open book. The background features ornate furniture and wallpaper.
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WHAT’S ON

SEE ALL EVENTS
EXHIBITION
28 March 2026 - 6 September 2026

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary

A full‑body figure stands against a plain light background wearing an elaborate sculptural outfit made from many layered garments. The clothing pieces are brightly coloured and vary in patterns and textures, including jackets, shirts, skirts, and fabric panels stacked and draped to form a voluminous, mound‑like silhouette. The figure also wears bright red tights and matching shoes, with only the legs visible beneath the mass of clothing.
SEASONAL

In Concert at The Bowes Museum

A single microphone on a stand stands centered against a dark, moody blue background with a cracked concrete floor, evoking a dramatic stage atmosphere.
SEASONAL

Summer Holidays

A child stands in a bright gallery space holding a magnifying glass and pointing upward, with tables, chairs, and a glass display case visible in the background.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

FIND OUT MORE

All the information you need to make the most of your visit. Find out more about admission, how to find us, facilities and accessibility.

Families

FAMILIES

No-one will be bored at The Bowes Museum. Find out what's on for families here.

PARKS AND GARDENS

Rest, play and breathe in our magical park and gardens.

Café Bowes

CAFÉ BOWES

Nourishing, seasonal tasty food and drinks in gorgeous surroundings.

COLLECTIONS

Discover the collections

ART

FASHION & TEXTILES

DESIGN

YOUR
VISIT

With wonders at every turn there’s something for everyone.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

MEET &
CELEBRATE

We’ve beautiful spaces for all your entertainment needs.

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US

We’re a charity and need your help.

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