Latest News

Book your tickets now to see Santa in his enchanting woodland grotto at The Bowes Museum.

He's found space in his busy schedule to fly in to make Christmas extra special from the 1st to the 22nd of December.

On arrival you'll be greeted by his friendly elves who'll show you to his toyshop where you can create festive crafts before meeting Santa himself in his cosy sitting room grotto, where he'll complete the magic by presenting each eligible child with an early Christmas gift.

It costs just £12 per child, and accompanying adults are free.

The popular Christmas Market returns this year, from 10am - 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 13 - 15 December, with handpicked stalls in both the grounds and Museum selling a wonderful array of locally produced food, drinks and crafts accompanied by live music and entertainment.

 

 

The first UK exhibition, outside London, dedicated to the Italian Baroque master Guido Reni opens at The Bowes Museum in October.

Celebrating the artist and his importance in Western art, The Power and the Virtue: Guido Reni's The Death of Lucretia will feature works from renowned public and private collections as well as unveiling new research into works in the Museum's own collection.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of gallery talks, lectures, debates, film screenings, dance workshops, concerts and a special display of costumes inspired by the exhibition created by the Northern School of Art; along with in-conversation events with associations of women and the art-based education and training company 'Changing Relations'.

10 craft makers and artists in residence at The Bowes Centre, will present a unique series of works in progress displayed around The Bowes Museum, near items or stories that influenced their creation.

 #Untitled10 2019 will explore the concepts of craft, materials and making, showcasing the processes involved in interpreting the Museum itself, its history and collection.

Eleven of The Bowes Museum's Spanish paintings are being prepared to travel to America.

They will star in El Greco, Goya, and a Taste for Spain: Highlights from The Bowes Museum at the Meadows Museum, SMU, in Dallas from September 15 until January 2020.

The paintings on tour will include: The Tears of Saint Peter by El Greco; the Interior of a Prison and Portrait of Juan Antonio Meledez Valdez by Goya.

Room 36, the 1800 - 1900 picture gallery will be closed while the pictures are dismounted from 19 August to 23 August.

They will be replaced by, among others, the Osequio a el maestro by Goya, a reproduction print of The Tears of Saint Peter and Marie Louis of Orleans, Queen of Spain by Francisco Ignazio Ruiz de la Iglesia.

 

 

There's lots to do both inside and outside The Bowes Museum as we prepare for a summer of fun!

With the LEGO:Building The Bowes Museum; Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants; Hockney and Hollywood and Frances Priest: Influences of the East exhibitions alongside our permanent collection there's plenty to see and do on your visit.

We've also got nature trails, woodland walks, play areas and giant games in the gardens for people to enjoy.

Fancy a quick bite? Pop into the newly opened Gateshouse Café for a cool drink, ice cream or light snack, if you want something more substantial head to Café Bowes and don't forget to call in at the Shop to pick up a beautiful souvenir of your visit.

Remember your annual pass gives you unlimited entry to our exhibitions and events throughout the year.