The Bowes Museum > Exhibitions > 2015 > Prehistoric People

Prehistoric People

2 May - 27 September 2015

If you’ve ever imagined stepping back in time to experience how our prehistoric ancestors lived, hunted, and defended themselves against wild animals, then a visit to this exhibition was a must this summer.

You would have learnt about prehistoric people through a variety of spectacular objects including flint tools, metal swords, jewellery, examples of rock art and much more!

Artist Liam Murray painted evocative images from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, to help visitors understand the objects’ context. Objects from the Museum’s collection were displayed alongside pieces from the Yorkshire Museum. 

This exhibition was of interest to people of all ages, from those interested in local ancient history, to school groups studying the prehistoric era and families keen to explore life during that time period.

Related Events

Prehistoric Pottery
16 May, 10.00 – 12.30 or 1.30 – 4.00
Adults can enjoy a hands-on experience of with expert Graham Taylor during this practical workshop. Be transported back in time to see authentic prehistoric pottery and explore how people prepared clay to make pots, before creating your own replica. £17.50 per adult, which includes refreshments. To book a place, call 01833 690606; payment is required at the time of booking.

Prehistoric People Crafts
20 July, 6 & 21 August, 10.30 – 3.30
An opportunity to explore the exhibition and to try your hand at making Stone, Bronze and Iron Age inspired creations to take home in this drop in family activity. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies. 

Stone Age to Iron Age - Family Fun Day
28 July, 11.00 - 4.00
Come along to a day crammed with fun and informative activities, including storytelling with children’s author Adam Bushnell, creating a hunting headdress, making a cave painting and following a themed trail. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

Creative Cave Painting 
14, 24 & 25 August, 10.30 - 3.30
Enjoy a unique opportunity to create your own cave painting in this exciting drop-in workshop. Children must be accompanied by an adult, for whom normal admission applies.

The Bowes Museum grounds are open!

Due to the government announcement on Thursday 17 December, that County Durham is to remain in COVID tier 3 restrictions, The Bowes Museum unfortunately will remain closed to all visitors. However, the grounds remain open to visitors from 10.00 - 4.00 daily, and we are currently hosting a woodland fairy trail, two spring trails and outdoor guided tours are available from 29 March 2021.

As we have already been shut for a number of weeks and there is much uncertainty around possible further restrictions, we have decided to use this period to undertake some work in Café Bowes, alongside performing some much-needed structural repairs to the building, notably to the windows. January and February are usually quieter times for the Museum, often due to severe weather, so we believe that this is the best time to carry out such works with the least amount of disruption to our visitors.

We have therefore decided to remain closed for a period of four weeks following any near-future tier 2 announcement from the government, as this will allow us time to deep clean the Museum prior to reopening our doors once again. We will, of course, keep you updated as the guidelines change.

Your ongoing support during these unprecedented times is hugely appreciated and we very much look forward to welcoming you back into the building as early as possible in 2021.

We hope to be able to offer a few COVID-safe outdoor events over the coming months, about which we shall make further announcements as soon as possible.

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