The Bowes Museum has a nationally renowned art collection and is situated in the town of Barnard Castle, Teesdale, County Durham, England.
The collections are displayed on three floors of the magnificent French-styled building. Many of the galleries have been redeveloped in the last ten years to give better access to the artefacts, more contemporary labeling and sympathetic lighting. The Fashion & Textiles Gallery is highly regarded by our peers due to its groundbreaking method of costume display which has been developed not only to achieve the best visual access to the garments, inside and out, but also to provide the best conservation methods for the items on display. There are some amazing artefacts from the wardrobe of Empress Eugenie and other stunning pieces from the Blackborne Lace Collection.
To find out more about the collections amassed by John and Joséphine Bowes, you can learn about them either by collection or by gallery. We have also compiled a list of what we think are our most prized possessions, and things you should look out for on a visit. Though we recognise that we all have different tastes and interests, so the 25 Outstanding Treasures is just the tip of the iceberg!
Our 18th century silver swan automaton is one of our most loved objects, and for conservation purposes is only played once a day at 2.00. However, there is a whole host of information about it, and its last major overhaul in 2008 by experienced horologist, Matthew Reed.
We also have our changing Director's Choice. This is a painting chosen by Adrian Jenkins and displayed in the foyer on the wall opposite the entrance. You can discover more about Adrian's reasons for choosing the painting or paintings from our varied fine art collection and gain a personal insight into his choice. Often the Director's Choice is from our picture store, so it gives a unique opportunity to see a work of art not usually on view to the public.
The Bowes Museum is open daily. Closed only 25 & 26 December & 1 January.
Galleries & Exhibitions
10.00 – 5.00, Free Daily Tours running 30 April - 31 October at 11.30 from reception
The Bowes Museum welcomes visitors with disabilities and our staff do everything practical and reasonable to provide visitors with a positive experience. However, access to and around the building can be complicated as the Museum was constructed in the 19th century and is Grade I listed. It has a range of accessible services including wheelchair access to most areas.
Disabled visitors are encouraged to contact the Museum in advance whenever possible to ensure that staff and, if required, resources such as lifts and wheelchairs, are available. If you are visiting the Museum today and need immediate advice, please ring 01833 690606.
Parking
Ample, free visitor parking is provided for on site within about 50 metres of the Museum.
Entrance and Reception
There is a terrace laid with gravel at the front of the building. To avoid the gravel visitors can take a York stone path which runs around the perimeter of the terrace and across to the Museum’s entrance. Four broad steps then take you up to the main doors.
An alternative accessible entrance is located at the East end of the building for those with mobility issues, fitted with an intercom system that links to reception. Once reception is aware, a member of staff will direct you into the building and the front desk.
Large Print information (18 point) is available from the Reception desk.
Gallery plans (free) and Museum guidebooks (£4.99) can be obtained from the Reception desk.
The Museum has two different sized wheelchairs available for use. They can be found in the main entrance area. It is recommended that you book in advance to ensure availability.
Public Areas – General information (internal)
Attendant staff are available to assist the visitor in any way they can.
The Museum is served by a grand staircase to both public gallery levels. It has handrails to both sides. A lift is available for those who prefer to use it.
The floors of most of the galleries are constructed of wood, laid in a herringbone pattern, and are part of the Museum’s heritage listing. Due to the age of the building, the floors do move a little when walked upon.
On the first floor, there are areas of flooring constructed of small, multi-coloured ‘terrazzo’ marble chips. Carpet is also used in small areas.
Many of the galleries have rope or elastic cord barriers at about 30 cm high from the floor around the displays to help protect the collections.
On the ground floor, there is level access to the Reception Desk, The Streatlam Galleries, Shop and Café Bowes.
There is seating provided throughout the public galleries.
Lighting levels can vary in different parts of the building and at different times of the year. Due to the sensitive nature of some objects in the collection they must only be displayed in very low levels of light, which can be an issue for visually impaired visitors. Some rooms allow daylight to enter, the strength of which can vary depending on the month of the year (the Museum is South-facing).
Public toilets
The Museum has fully accessible public toilets on the ground and first floors. Pictograms are used to identify the toilets.
Outdoor Facilities
The Museum is set in beautiful grounds. In some areas there are gravel pathways and steps which may present an access issue. The Museum has tried to make alternative access where possible. There are park benches at regular intervals throughout most of the grounds.
‘Bags of Fun’ (£5 refundable deposit) containing games and an Orienteering Trail (free of charge) are available from reception during opening hours. The Museum has a picnic area to the East side of the Museum in front of the tennis court. Access to this area is obtained by small steps.
The Museum grounds contain tennis courts maintained by Barnard Castle Tennis Club. These courts can be booked and paid for at the Museum reception.
Conference and Meeting Rooms, Entertainment and Civil Ceremonies
The Museum can be booked for functions and corporate events of various sizes which can be catered for on request. Contact info@thebowesmuseum.org.uk to make your initial enquiry.
Additional Information
There are several routes or pathways throughout the attraction suitable for visitors with limited mobility and for wheelchair users.
There is an audible fire alarm system throughout the building, and audio and visual fire alarms in The Streatlam Galleries on the Ground Floor.
Glass doors are marked with indicator strips to increase their visibility.
Large Print labels are made available in the Painting Galleries.
Assistance dogs are welcomed to the Museum. A water bowl can be made available from Reception. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.
