Opening hours are from 10am – 5pm daily. Café Bowes closes 4.30pm. Last orders for Café Bowes at 4pm. Friday 25 September: The Bowes Museum will close slightly earlier, at 4pm. Last orders for Café Bowes at 3:30pm.

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.

Impressions of Light:
Masterpieces from MuMa - Le Havre and The Bowes Museum

26 September 2026 - 14 March 2027

A major international partnership with the Musée d’Art moderne André Malraux (MuMa), Le Havre, brings Impressionist masterpieces from France to The Bowes Museum.

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A landscape painting shows a small pink-roofed cottage nestled among rolling green coastal hills overlooking a vivid blue sea. The foreground is filled with soft brushstrokes of green, cream, and pink vegetation, while the calm water stretches to the horizon beneath a dramatic sky of pink, lavender, and grey clouds. The composition draws the eye towards the cottage and coastline, creating a tranquil impression of a seaside landscape.

October Half Term

24 October - 1 November

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

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A child sits at a bright yellow craft table cutting paper with red-handled safety scissors while an adult sits alongside. Colourful paper shapes, craft materials, and printed pieces are spread across the table. Large windows in the background fill the room with natural light, creating a bright workshop setting.

The Winter Market

11 - 13 December

Discover a seasonal wonderland with over 100 artists, designers, makers and food stalls.

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Two visitors stand in a gallery filled with framed paintings, looking upward while browsing a market-style display of goods on tables around them, with other visitors and stalls 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 visitor holds a smartphone to photograph the Silver Swan automaton inside a museum gallery. The phone screen shows the swan displayed in its glass case, surrounded by seated and standing visitors during a gallery event. Framed paintings hang on pale green walls in the background, while the visitor’s hands and phone case are visible in the foreground. The image captures the act of photographing the exhibition from within a crowd.
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WHAT’S ON

SEE ALL EVENTS
EXHIBITION
27 June 2026 - 3 January 2027

Norman Cornish: A Life in Sketchbooks

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.
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.
Festive Event
11 Dec - 13 Dec 2026
10am - 4pm, £7.50 (before 7 December, £9 thereafter)

The Winter Market

Two visitors stand in a gallery filled with framed paintings, looking upward while browsing a market-style display of goods on tables around them, with other visitors and stalls visible in the background.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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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

YOUR
VISIT

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

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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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