The Bowes Museum Blog

Heritage Open Day 2024 at The Bowes Museum was an unforgettable experience for me. I had the honour of guiding visitors through the Curiosity Space, a relatively new gallery. 

My tour focused on “Asiatic Influences on Western Art and Culture,” highlighting the ways Asian art, ideas, and techniques have shaped Western creative traditions across centuries. It was very exciting to share this fascinating topic with visitors, many of whom were hearing of these influences for the first time.  

This experience was made even more meaningful by the people I met along the way. I had the pleasure of connecting with so many staff members at the museum, and each person’s warmth and dedication was inspiring. It was Jess, Alia, Victoria, and Eleanor with whom I spent the most time, and they truly left a lasting impression. Their passion for Museum work and dedication to exploring history, art, and culture further sparked my own enthusiasm for the field. Working alongside them gave me a newfound appreciation for the energy, curiosity, and commitment that drive the Museum world. 

 One of the highlights of Heritage Day was the rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into museum operations. I was able to get into the complexities and details that bring the Museum to life. This experience was both humbling and inspiring, reminding me of the dedication that goes into preserving and sharing history. I’m deeply grateful for this journey and for the chance to be part of such an amazing institution, even if just for 23 hours in total.