Opening hours are from 10am – 5pm daily. Café Bowes closes 4.30pm.

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.

May Half Term

23 May - 31 May

This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of activities inspired by the museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exhibitions not to be seen anywhere else.

A workshop scene inside a museum or gallery space shows an adult standing behind a table while two children work on craft activities. The table is covered with cardboard boxes, coloured paper, glue sticks, pens, scissors, tape, and small containers of materials. One child bends over the table working inside a cardboard structure, while another holds a strip of white paper above the table. The room has white walls, display panels with carved objects on the left, and bright orange walls and windows in the background, lit by natural and overhead lighting.
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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.
Book Club
12 Apr - 12 Jul 2026
2:30 - 3:30pm, £10 per person plus museum admission

Bowes Book Club

A person sits in a cushioned armchair inside a café or lounge setting, holding and reading an open book. The chair has patterned cushions, and a small table is nearby. The background features a counter area with metal taps, a chalkboard-style menu board with handwritten text, and tall windows with light filtering through. The space has warm indoor lighting and a relaxed seating arrangement.
Workshop
12 Apr - 6 Sep 2026
10:30am - 1:30pm, £55 per session

Sew-cial at The Bowes

A person sits at a table using a white Singer sewing machine, guiding a piece of white fabric under the needle. The table is covered with colourful fabric pieces in the foreground. The scene is set in a bright indoor workshop space with orange walls and soft natural light coming from windows behind. The sewing machine, fabric, and tools are the main focus of the image.
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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

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

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CELEBRATE

We’ve beautiful spaces for all your entertainment needs.

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