Exhibitions

The exhibition programme (changing every six months) showcases high-quality, contemporary and historical work by regional, national and international artists and makers. From unique exhibitions curated by staff, to touring exhibitions and loans from major institutions, there’s something to interest everyone. Alongside the major exhibitions are co-produced displays, artist commissions and outdoor installations. See what sparks your curiosity below.

Current Exhibitions

Pippa Hale hugging a giant cat black, white and yellow squishee

Pippa Hale: Pet Project

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.

JOSÉPHINE: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

A surreal collage of a woman's face and hands composed of overlapping photo fragments, creating a disjointed and abstract visual effect.

Not just Nude

A light installation reading "YOU CREATE WHAT YOU WILL" by Nathan Coley, set against the historic Bowes Museum grounds.

Nathan Coley: You Create What You Will and Tate Modern on Fire

Kinetic Arboretum in its new home in the Wildflower Meadow

Kinetic Arboretum (2018), Martin Smith

A series of colourful flags in which the main image of a roman soldier's head gets more detailed

Claire A Baker: In Progress and Process

Future Exhibitions

A vintage wooden toy train set featuring a black and yellow locomotive with several colourful passenger cars displayed on a raised track.

DRESSED FOR DEPARTURE: Fashion in the Age of Rail

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