The Bowes Museum (Barnard Castle) - Visitor Information & Reviews

The Bowes Museum and its collection

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The Bowes Museum, located in the town of Barnard Castle in County Durham, northern England, is an art gallery that was established in 1892. It was built to house the extensive art collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine Benoîte Coffin-Chevallier. The museum is a testament to their love for art and their desire to share it with the public.

Art and Historical Collections at The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum boasts a diverse collection of artworks and historical items. It houses paintings by renowned artists such as El Greco, Francisco Goya, Canaletto, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and François Boucher. In addition to these, the museum also displays a variety of decorative art, ceramics, textiles, tapestries, clocks, costumes, and objects of local historical interest.

Temporary Exhibitions at The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, providing visitors with the opportunity to view works by a variety of artists. Past exhibitions have featured works by Monet, Raphael, Turner, Sisley, Gallé, William Morris, and Toulouse-Lautrec. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore different art styles and periods.

Visitor information The Bowes Museum

Opening hours

Monday	10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday	10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday	10:00 – 17:00
Thursday	10:00 – 17:00
Friday	10:00 – 17:00
Saturday	10:00 – 17:00
Sunday	10:00 – 17:00

Closed 25 – 26 December and 1 January.

More opening hours

Admission

National Art Pass	Free
Day Ticket (including Gift Aid)	£21.45
Local Membership	£17.70
Membership	£20.00
Standard Day Ticket	£19.50
Under 18s, Full Time Students and Careers	Free

People who live in County Durham and Darlington are eligible for Local Membership, which lasts for 13 months, people who live elsewhere are eligible for Membership, which also lasts for 13 months.

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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Museum shop

Coffee

Restaurant

Parking

Child-friendly

Location & Map

Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle

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The Bowes Museum Reviews

The Bowes Museum has 1 rating.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, England, is a highly regarded cultural institution that offers visitors a rich and diverse experience. Housed in a grand French-style chateau, the museum's architecture alone is a sight to behold. The museum's extensive collection spans various periods and genres, with a particular focus on fine and decorative arts.

Many visitors praise the museum's impressive array of paintings, ceramics, textiles, and furniture from across Europe. The Silver Swan automaton, an 18th-century musical automaton, is often cited as a highlight of the collection, captivating audiences with its mechanical movements. The museum's temporary exhibitions are also well-received, offering fresh perspectives and attracting repeat visits.

The spacious galleries allow for a comfortable viewing experience, and the informative displays provide context for the artifacts. Many visitors appreciate the museum's efforts to make the exhibits engaging and accessible to all age groups.

The museum's grounds and gardens are another point of praise, offering a pleasant area for relaxation and reflection after touring the exhibits. The on-site cafe receives positive mentions for its quality refreshments and picturesque views.

While the museum is generally well-loved, some visitors note that the entry fee can be considered steep, especially for larger families. A few also mention that certain areas of the museum may benefit from updated lighting or presentation to enhance the viewing experience.

Despite these minor criticisms, The Bowes Museum is widely regarded as a cultural gem in the North of England, offering a world-class collection in a stunning setting. Its blend of art, history, and architecture provides an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

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The Bowes Museum

The Bowes Museum and its collection

Art and Historical Collections at The Bowes Museum

Temporary Exhibitions at The Bowes Museum

Images of The Bowes Museum

Visitor information The Bowes Museum

Opening hours

Admission

Facilities

Location & Map

Exhibitions

Joséphine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

From Joséphine Bowes: Trendsetters and Trailblazers

Movement: Celebrating 250 years of the world's most famous Silver Swan

Design, Make, Process - Modern Makers

Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective

Raymond Briggs: A Retrospective

The BFG in Pictures

Turkish Tulips

The Bowes Museum Reviews

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