May Half Term
Join us 24 May – 1 June for May half term fun.
School’s out! This May half term, dive into a fantastic programme of free activities included within admission, inspired by The Bowes Museum’s wonderful collection, nature in the parkland and exclusive exhibitions.
Enjoy daily self-guided creative activities and artist-led Artist Maker Workshops in the Create Space, explore the beautiful 22 acres of parkland and join the Spotlight Tours for a brief introduction to the collection. Special events include Nature Spotters, Seed Bombs and Bug Club. There’s something for all ages to enjoy, with all activities included with admission.
Don’t forget, under 18’s and full-time students always go free!
What's On
Spotlight Tour
A friendly and informative introduction to an exhibition, the collection or building. Led by The Bowes Museum’s team of Visitor Attendants, Curators and Volunteer Tour Guides, join us for an informal 30-minute tour, everyday at 11:00, and 2:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to find out more.
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Nature Spotters
Gather with us in an outdoor-inspired campsite in the Conversation Gallery. Discover the fascinating world of wildlife in the parkland, delve into the natural wonders that influenced some of the museum’s treasures and play games inspired by the great outdoors. Recommended for under 10s, children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking recommended, however, spaces
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Seed Bombs
Join this engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll create your own pollinator-friendly seed bomb using native seeds to take home with you. Discover the vital role wildflowers play in supporting pollinators and boosting local biodiversity, while contributing to a greener, sustainable environment. Drop-in activity, recommended for ages 12+. No prior experience is needed, and all materials
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Bug Club
Join us as we investigate the effects of insects on collection items. We will look at a variety of different materials in the museum and find out what happens when bugs take over! Drop-in activity, recommended for ages 5+.
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Stay and Play
Time for The Bowes’ youngest visitors to explore and play in the Conversation Gallery, investigate materials and be creative in this self-led, free-play session. Suitable for children up to 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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Exhibiting Artist Talks: Charlotte Hodes
From Inspiration to Installation with Charlotte Hodes Join artist, Charlotte Hodes‘ to learn about her art practice and how art collections and archives are an inspirational source for her projects. Charlotte’s work takes the form of large intricate papercuts, ceramic vases and installations using readymade tableware. Discover how the artist constructs her images from inception
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Artist Makers: Fantasy Fashion
Let your imagination run wild in this fashion collage workshop and use mannequin templates to design your dream outfit by layering and shaping vibrant coloured papers. For inspiration, there’ll be photos of items from the collection, or you could take stroll through the Fashion & Textile Gallery beforehand to see historic and contemporary fashion and
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Artist Makers: Natural Creations
Take inspiration from shapes and textures in the parkland and create an outdoor-inspired collage using natural materials to highlight the importance of caring for our outdoor spaces and wildlife. Drop-in event taking place in the Outdoor Classroom (weather permitting), or Create Space. Recommended for ages 8+, children under 16 must be accompanied.
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